We highlight recent developments in hydrogel materials with biological responsiveness built in. These ‘smart’ biomaterials change properties response to selective recognition events. When exposed a target (nutrient, growth factor, receptor, antibody, enzyme, or whole cell), molecular events trigger changes interactions that translate into macroscopic responses, such as swelling/collapse solution-to-gel transitions. The transitions may be used directly optical readouts for biosensing, linked...

A conceptually new approach to polymer-based enzyme-triggered release is described, whereby the selective catalytic action of (disease-specific) enzymes triggers a charge-induced swelling response in chemically crosslinked hydrogel particles, resulting physically entrapped macromolecules (see figure).

Stimuli-responsive gate mechanisms offer potential for the controlled passage of payload molecules from a porous carrier vehicle on-demand. We describe method enzyme-mediated release macromolecular guest inorganic silica particles coated with bioactive peptide shell, synthesized precisely by Fmoc chemistry. Specific enzymatic hydrolysis shell removes bulky peptide-terminated groups, permitting selective previously entrapped molecules.

We report on enzyme-responsive hydrogel particles for the controlled release of proteins. Amino-functionalised poly(ethylene glycol acrylamide) (PEGA) were functionalised with peptide actuators that cause charge-induced swelling and payload when triggered enzymatically. Peptide-based designed to match specificity target enzyme, while also matching charge properties to-be released protein payload, thereby uniquely allowing tuneable profiles. Fluorescently labelled albumin avidin, proteins...

Noncovalent, dye-mediated interactions between organo-montmorillonites ("organoclays") and a chitosan-based polyelectrolyte are exploited for highly effective fast removal of different, industrially important anionic dyes (single-azo, double-azo, anthraquinone) from aqueous solutions. The addition only 10 wt % the to conventional organoclay results in 100% increase absolute dye uptake capacity, an acceleration kinetics by up 500%, flocculation large, easily separable sorbent aggregates....

We report on a new class of enzyme responsive polymer hydrogels, the molecular accessibility which can be changed selectively by enzymes present in sample fluid.

A novel method for the modification of polyglobalide, produced by enzymatic ring-opening polymerisation, with pendant side-chains viathiol–ene click chemistry is disclosed. This methodology may offer a chemically simplistic route to (bio)functionalisation polyesters.

Combining controlled radical polymerizations and a polypeptide synthetic technique, such as N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) ring-opening polymerization, enables the generation of well-defined block copolymers to be easily accessible. Here we combine NCA polymerization with nitroxide-mediated poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PBA) polystyrene (PS), using TIPNO SG1-based bifunctional initiator create hybrid copolymer. The consists (block) poly(l-glutamic acid) embedded various quantities l-alanine. formed...

Silica nanoparticles were furnished with a functional polypeptide shell to create pH-responsive inorganic–organic hybrid material. Free amine groups present on silica initiated the N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization of particular amino acid NCAs directly onto inorganic support, offering convenient method functionalize core uniformly dense shell. Poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG), poly(ε-carbobenzyoxy-L-lysine) (PZLL), and S-tert-butyl protected polycysteine (PtBLC) grafted from both...

ABSTRACT There is an urgent requirement to devise and develop highly‐effective materials for the purification of industrial wastewater. Colored effluents are particularly problematic due their toxicity in plants, aquatic organisms, animals, dictating that polymeric adsorbents highly sought capture. Chitosan hydrogels a cost‐effective substrate adsorption dye molecules as they contain biopolymeric gelator can form with polymer content low 3% by mass. Such also suited use within biomedical...

Well-defined star polypeptides were successfully synthesised by initiation of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) from polypropylene imine (PPI) dendrimers. The dendrimer generation and the to NCA ratio systematically varied afford a range shaped architectures with maximum 8 64 poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) arms. High molar masses up 500 000 g mol−1 achieved that otherwise unobtainable for analogous linear in absence core. By deprotection PBLG converted into poly(L-glutamic...

Abstract From biomineralization to synthesis, organic additives provide an effective means of controlling crystallization processes. There is growing evidence that these are often occluded within the crystal lattice. This promises elegant creating nanocomposites and tuning physical properties. Here we use incorporation sulfonated fluorescent dyes gain new understanding additive occlusion in calcite (CaCO 3 ), link morphological changes mechanisms. We demonstrate incorporated specific zones,...

N-carboxyanhydride ring-opening polymerization-induced self-assembly (NCA ROPISA) offers a convenient route for generating poly(amino acid)-based nanoparticles in single step, crucially avoiding the need post-polymerization self-assembly. Most examples of NCA ROPISA make use poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrophilic stabilizing block, however this non-biodegradable, oil-derived polymer may cause an immunological response some individuals. Alternative water-soluble polymers are therefore highly...

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is a promising antibiotic-free strategy for broad-spectrum infection control in chronic wounds, minimising bacterial resistance risks. However, rapid photosensitiser diffusion, tissue staining, side toxicity, and short-lived antimicrobial effects present significant clinical limitations integrating APDT into wound dressings. To address these challenges, we the design of bespoke polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) derivative conjugated with both phenothiazine...

Abstract Poly(amino acids) have enormous potential value as biomaterials owing to their inherent biocompatibility, chemical functionality, and biodegradability. However, current commercial poly(amino acid) use is somewhat limited due production protocols that often include highly toxic phosgene in monomer synthesis. To circumvent this unfortunate predicament, the of bio‐renewable 2,5‐diketopiperazines (2,5‐DKPs) cyclic monomers proposed for Amphiphilic block copolymers are produced by using...

This report describes the preparation of a series 17 novel racemic spirocyclic scaffolds that are intended for creation compound libraries by parallel synthesis biological screening. Each scaffold features two points orthogonal diversification. The related to each other in four ways: (1) through stepwise changes size nitrogen-bearing ring; (2) oxidation state carbon-centered point diversification; (3) relative stereochemical orientation diversification sites those members stereogenic; and...

Abstract The generation of a range star‐shaped block copolymers composed biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) core tethered to polyalanine (PAla) shell that possesses the capability (reversibly) self‐assemble in water is described. hydrogels formed offer hydrophilic environment ideal for biological processes involving proteins and are able withhold albumin prolonged periods before its triggered release following targeted material degradation by proteolytic enzyme elastase. Consequently,...

The synthesis of photo-responsive polymers with high density spiropyran (SP) groups has been investigated. Initially the ATRP star-shaped polymer using acrylated benzospiropyran (BSP) was attempted but results suggested an incompatibility BSP preventing formation or architectures a higher chain length side chains. Alternatively, copper catalyzed cycloaddition (click chemistry) successfully employed to obtain functionalized polymers. Well-defined poly(6-benzospiropyran hexylmethacrylate)s...

Organogels prepared with vegetable oils as the liquid organic phase present an excellent platform for controlled delivery of hydrophobic guest molecules.

Polymer-based hydrogels have been widely applied for chronic wound therapeutics, due to their well-acclaimed exudate management capability. At the same time, there is still an unmet clinical need simple diagnostic tools assist decision-making at point of care and deliver on vision patient-personalised management. To explore this challenge, we present a one-step synthetic strategy realise redox-responsive, hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel that sensitive environment-related variations in...

The construction of an unprecedented class indole-based library, namely, a 6,7-annulated-4-substituted 93-member indole using strategic combination 6,7-indolyne cycloaddition and cross-coupling reactions under both Suzuki-Miyaura Buchwald-Hartwig conditions is described. This work represents the first example library development that employs aryne methodology. Annulated indoles, with exception only few biologically active natural products (i.e., trikentrins, herbindoles, teleocidins,...

Biodegradable polymers have emerged as highly effective drug delivery vehicles. We combine N-carboxyanhydride and O-carboxyanhydride ring opening polymerisations to synthesise a poly(amino acid)-polyester graft copolymer capable of encapsulating, subsequently releasing doxorubicin via acid-mediated hydrolysis. Consequently, the nanoparticles detailed are extremely promising vehicles for controlled chemotherapeutic agents.