Supramolecular polymers

Supramolecular polymers

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  Design of photofunctional oligonucleotides by copolymerization of natural nucleobases with base surrogates prepared from acyclic scaffolds

  We demonstrate a new methodology of DNA and RNA functionalization with a base surrogate prepared from d-threoninol. With this surrogate, we can introduce functional molecules at any position in the sequence. Our methodology is conceptually similar to copolymerization; phosphoramidite monomers of base surrogates, and natural nucleotides are ‘copolymerized’ on solid supports to prepare functional oligonucleotides. The incorporation of intercalating moieties allows for the design of four stable functional motifs: wedges, interstrand-wedges, dimers and clusters. By selecting suitable functional molecules and motifs, we can design novel photofunctional oligonucleotides.

  • Hiroyuki Asanuma
  • Keiji Murayama
  • Hiromu Kashida

  Invited Review21 Dec 2016 Polymer Journal
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  Stimuli-responsive functionalized insulated conjugated polymers

  Diverse functionalized insulated conjugated polymers (ICPs) were synthesized via co-polymerization between insulated conjugated monomers and various functional units. The functional moieties strongly affected their π-conjugation, which provided sensitivity towards external stimuli. Chemical and physical inputs, such as redox, light, ions and gases, could be detected by modulating their optical and electrical properties. Moreover, the insulating structures inhibited undesired π–π interactions and prohibited thermal fluctuation in the conjugated backbones, enhancing the physical properties of the sensing materials. Accordingly, cooperative effects were observed between the insulation and functional moieties in functionalized ICPs.

  • Hiroshi Masai
  • Jun Terao

  Focus Review11 Oct 2017 Polymer Journal
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  Functional liquid-crystalline polymers and supramolecular liquid crystals

  The design and functions of various liquid-crystalline (LC) polymers including main-chain, side-chain and network LC polymers as well as dendritic structures are described. These polymeric LC materials can be applied for electro-, ion-, photo-active materials as well as mechanically tough materials. The introduction of supramolecular design has also generated a new category of functional LC materials.

  • Takashi Kato
  • Junya Uchida
  • Bartolome Soberats

  Review27 Sep 2017 Polymer Journal
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  Topology-transformable polymers: linear–branched polymer structural transformation via the mechanical linking of polymer chains

  Synthesis and dynamic nature of macromolecular systems having mechanically linked polymer chains, which can undertake the topology transformation, are described. The rotaxane linking of polymer chains plays a crucial role in these systems. Successful syntheses of macromolecular [2]rotaxane (M2R) possessing single polymer axle and one crown ether wheel made possible the development of topology-transformable polymers from star to linear. Furthermore, rotaxane-linked ABC triblock copolymer and 4-arm and 6-arm star polymers were also synthesized and transformed to other topological polymers along with the property change.

  • Toshikazu Takata
  • Daisuke Aoki

  Review25 Oct 2017 Polymer Journal