Fluorescence spectroscopy on a series of aqueous solutions poly(acrylic acid) containing luminescent label showed that polymers with molar mass, Mn < 16.5 kDa did not exhibit pH responsive conformational change, which is typical higher mass acid). Below this remained in an extended conformation, regardless pH. Above pH-dependent change was observed. Diffusion-ordered nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed low undergo transition, although large diffusion.

This paper is a survey of the role and impact competitive tendering contracting (CTC) policies in public sector. The examines theoretical rationale for introducing competition provision services methodology by which decisions are reached. It investigates extent implementation nature outcomes several countries. A broad sweep empirical findings suggests that CTC generates substantial cost savings. Lack adequate data makes an assessment effect on quality more troublesome, further research needed

Highly branched poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) compounds were prepared by copolymerization of 3H-imidazole-4-carbodithioic acid 4-vinylbenzyl ester, 1, with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) using reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The polymerizations proceeded well few side reactions. An increase in the content 1 monomer feed appears to number branch chains, and at same time no evidence was obtained for presence substituted acrylamide ends that may...

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-controlled block copolymer synthesis using dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) shows unprecedented control over blocking efficiency. For PMMA-b-PBzMA and PMMA-b-PSt the efficiency was quantified by measuring homopolymer contaminants techniques of GPC deconvolution, gradient polymer elution chromatography (GPEC), dual RI/UV detection. A new, promising method also developed which combined deconvolution GPEC....

In the study of microbial keratitis, in vivo animal models often require a large number animals, and vitro monolayer cell culture does not maintain three-dimensional structure tissues or cell-to-cell communication models. Here, we propose reproducible ex single- dual-infection keratitis as an alternative to Excised rabbit human corneoscleral rims maintained organ were infected using 108 cells Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans Fusarium solani. The infection was...

Abstract Core–shell molecularly imprinted polymers (CS‐MIPs) have been prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization using water‐soluble template molecules. An amphiphilic binding monomer, oleyl phenyl hydrogen phosphate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were used in the formation of highly crosslinked surfaces around divinyl benzene polystyrene core colloids. Evidence was obtained transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for a change surface morphology when polymer shell formed presence...

Low molecular weight poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) with a hydroxyl group at one end was successfully synthesized by free radical polymerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP). Using isopropyl alcohol as solvent and 2-mercaptoethanol chain transfer agent, control over (MW) profile PVP obtained, leading to average-number MW low 2500 Da polydispersity indexes close 1.5. MALDI−TOF mass spectrometry indicated that the insertion on quantitative. Hydroxyl-terminated used macroinitiator in...

The arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence binds to key cell membrane structures within the integrin family. These sequences are found on several extracellular proteins that have roles in adhesion. Therefore, it is not surprising with advent of field tissue engineering a large amount work has been carried out materials functionalised wide variety RGD-containing peptides. In this review we provide an overview 2007 and include both synthesis design strategies required produce useful RGD...

Bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation on the surface of urinary catheters is a common cause nosocomial infection, as such major impediment to their long-term use. Understanding mechanisms critical control will aid future development materials used in manufacture. In this report we have proteomic analysis coupled with immunoassays show that outer membrane protein (OmpA) Escherichia coli overexpressed during formation. A series synthetic hydrogels being developed for potential use...

Hyper branched and highly polymers (HB polymers) can be prepared by a variety of radical polymerisations. Here we describe the various techniques that used include hybrid polymerisations involve both ring opening Adaptations established use transfer to monomer are described. Then controlled outlined. Finally, some emergent applications reviewed with special emphasis on in life sciences.

Selective molecular recognition is achieved by the imprinting of polymeric particles in water with caffeine. The core–shell particles, obtained a templated synthesis, selectively recognize caffeine over theophylline after removal template. A great advantage present method fact that template can be completely removed as opposed to other syntheses. effect shell thickness on selectivity discussed.

Abstract Summary: Highly branched poly(NIPAM) have been prepared using the technique of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation a agent that allows incorporation imidazole functionality in polymer chain‐ends. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymers can be controlled by amount hydrophobe and GMA incorporated during copolymerisation procedures. These thermally responsive “smart” were used to purify His‐tagged BRCA‐1 protein fragment affinity...

Highly branched poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)s with peptide-end groups form colloidally stable dispersions of sub-micron particles above the lower critical solution temperature.

Binding of highly branched poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with vancomycin end groups to Staphylococcus aureus induced a coil-to-globule phase transition. The polymers aggregated this Gram-positive bacteria (but not Gram-negative bacteria) over wide range temperatures, but cooling 24−26 °C progressed the polymer-bound through globule-to-coil transition, after which were released.

Polysaccharides interact with cells in ways that can be conducive to wound healing. We have recently reported konjac glucomannan (KGM) which is comprised of d-mannose and d-glucose linked by β-1,4 glycosidic chains, stimulates fibroblast proliferation. The aim this study was produce a range crosslinked KGMs bicomponent KGM containing hydrogels examine their potential for Two types hydrogel were synthesized, biodegradable from non-biodegradable forming semi-IPNs graft-conetworks second...

Vat photopolymerization has garnered interest from pharmaceutical researchers for the fabrication of personalised medicines, especially drugs that require high precision dosing or are heat labile. However, 3D printed structures created thus far have been insoluble, limiting printable dosage forms to sustained-release systems drug-eluting medical devices which do not dissolution matrix. Resins produce water-soluble will enable more versatile drug release profiles and expand potential...

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)s with imidazole endgroups were used to separate a histidine-tagged protein fragment directly from crude cell lysate. The polymers display lower critical solution temperature that can be tuned occur at range of subambient temperatures. UV−visible spectra indicated differences in the binding aqueous media Cu(II) and Ni(II) endgroups. These changes reflected solution/aggregation behavior as studied by dynamic light scattering. addition disaggregated polymers, polymer...