This thesis begins with a brief analysis of the synthetic methodologies utilized in polymer science. A conclusion is drawn inferring that upper limits in molecular design are inevitable, arising as a direct consequence of the predominance of covalent strategies in the field. To address these concerns, the universal polymer backbone (UPB) concept has been hypothesized. A UPB has been defined as any copolymer, side-chain functionalized with multiple recognition elements that are individually capable of forming strong, directional, and reversible non-covalent bonds. Non-covalent functionalization of these scaffolds can lead to the formation of a multitude of new polymer structures, each stemming from a single parent or universal polymer backbone. To prepare such a UPB, isomerically pure exo-norbornene esters containing either a PdII SCS pincer complex or a diaminopyridine residue were synthesized, polymerized, and copolymerized via ROMP. All polymerizations were living under mild reaction conditions. Kinetic studies showed that the kp values are highly dependent upon the isomeric purity but completely independent of the terminal recognition units. Non-covalent functionalization of these copolymers was accomplished via 1) directed self-assembly, 2) multi-step self- assembly, and 3) one-step orthogonal self-assembly. This system shows complete specificity of each recognition motif for its complementary unit with no observable changes in the association constant upon functionalization. To explore potential applications of this UPB concept, random terpolymers possessing high concentrations of pendant alkyl chains and small amounts of recognition units were synthesized. Non-covalent crosslinking using a directed functionalization strategy resulted in dramatic increases in solution viscosities for metal crosslinked polymers with only minor changes in viscosity for hydrogen bonding motifs. The crosslinked materials were further functionalized via self-assembly by employing the second recognition motif, which gave rise to functionalized materials with tailored crosslinks. This non-covalent crosslinking/functionalization strategy could allow for rapid and tunable materials synthesis by overcoming many difficulties inherent to the preparation of covalently crosslinked polymers. Finally, the current status of the UPB concept is reviewed and methodological extensions of the concept are suggested. Evaluation of how UPBs may be used to optimize materials and their potential use in fabricating unique electro-optical materials, sensors, and drug delivery vesicles are explored.

Diatoms possess characteristics such as abundance, diversity, and high reproductivity, which make their nano-structured frustules (diatom frustules) attractive for a wide range of applications. To overcome the limitation of their silica based frustule composition, diatom frustules have been converted into a variety of materials including silicon, silicon carbide, silver, gold, palladium and carbon in the present study. The compositions and the extent of shape preservation of the replicas are examined and evaluated with different characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, SEM, TEM and FTIR analyses. These replicas still retained the complex 3D structures and nano-scaled features of the starting diatom frustules. Some properties and possible applications of converted materials are explored and the kinetics and thermodynamics related to the successful replications (conversions) are also studied and discussed.

The fields of statistical physics, discrete probability, combinatorics, and theoretical computer science have converged around efforts to understand random structures and algorithms. Recent activity in the interface of these fields has enabled tremendous breakthroughs in each domain and has supplied a new set of techniques for researchers approaching related problems. This thesis makes progress on several problems in this interface whose solutions all build on insights from multiple disciplinary perspectives. First, we consider a dynamic growth process arising in the context of DNA-based self-assembly. The assembly process can be modeled as a simple Markov chain. We prove that the chain is rapidly mixing for large enough bias in regions of Z^d. The proof uses a geometric distance function and a variant of path coupling in order to handle distances that can be exponentially large. We also provide the first results in the case of fluctuating bias, where the bias can vary depending on the location of the tile, which arises in the nanotechnology application. Moreover, we use intuition from statistical physics to construct a choice of the biases for which the Markov chain M_mon requires exponential time to converge. Second, we consider a related problem regarding the convergence rate of biased permutations that arises in the context of self-organizing lists. The Markov chain M_nn in this case is a nearest-neighbor chain that allows adjacent transpositions, and the rate of these exchanges is governed by various input parameters. It was conjectured that the chain is always rapidly mixing when the inversion probabilities are positively biased, i.e., we put nearest neighbor pair x<y in order with bias 1/2 <= p_{xy} <= 1 and out of order with bias 1-p_{xy}. The Markov chain M_mon was known to have connections to a simplified version of this biased card-shuffling. We provide new connections between M_nn and M_mon by using simple combinatorial bijections, and we prove that M_nn is always rapidly mixing for two general classes of positively biased {p_{xy}}. More significantly, we also prove that the general conjecture is false by exhibiting values for the p_{xy}, with 1/2 <= p_{xy} <= 1 for all x< y, but for which the transposition chain will require exponential time to converge. Finally, we consider a model of colloids, which are binary mixtures of molecules with one type of molecule suspended in another. It is believed that at low density typical configurations will be well-mixed throughout, while at high density they will separate into clusters. This clustering has proved elusive to verify, since all local sampling algorithms are known to be inefficient at high density, and in fact a new nonlocal algorithm was recently shown to require exponential time in some cases. We characterize the high and low density phases for a general family of discrete {it interfering binary mixtures} by showing that they exhibit a "clustering property' at high density and not at low density. The clustering property states that there will be a region that has very high area, very small perimeter, and high density of one type of molecule. Special cases of interfering binary mixtures include the Ising model at fixed magnetization and independent sets.

Die Immobilisierung von Oligo(ethylenglykol)-derivaten an Oberflächen von Metallen ist ein viel versprechender Ansatz, um unspezifische Adsorptionen von Proteinen, Bakterien und Zellen zu minimieren bzw. zu verhindern. Im Mittelpunkt der Arbeit stand die Entwicklung, Darstellung, Charakterisierung sowie Applikation maßgeschneiderter, self-assembly-fähiger Moleküle, die gezielt auf TiO2- und nicht auf SiO2-Oberflächen anbinden. Die resultierenden Monoschichten (SAMs) wiesen eine Biokompatibilität sowie Biofunktionalität auf. Dazu wurden neue bisher noch nicht beschriebene Moleküle entwickelt, die auf einer Kombination von funktionalisierten Oligo(ethylenglykol)-Einheiten mit Monoalkylphosphorsäure- und Alkylphosphonsäurederivaten basieren. Diese Verbindungen konnten durch die Anwendung der Self-Assembly-Technik erfolgreich aus wässriger Lösung auf TiO2-Substrate adsorbiert werden. Die hergestellten, ultradünnen monomolekularen Schichten wurden mit verschiedenen analytischen Methoden, wie Spektroskopische Ellipsometrie, winkelabhängiger XPS und SPR-Spektroskopie charakterisiert. Durch eine gezielte Anbindung an TiO2-Oberflächen und einer stabilen Ausbildung von SAMs konnten sowohl die unspezifische Proteinadsorption zurückgedrängt bzw. verhindert, als auch eine spezifische Anbindung von ausgewählten Proteinen realisiert werden. / The surface immobilization of oligo (ethylene glycol) on metals is a promising approach to minimize or prevent non-specific adsorption of proteins, bacteria and cells. The aim of this work was the design, preparation, characterization and application of tailor-made, self-assembly molecules, which are able to adsorbed selectively on TiO2 surfaces but not on SiO2. The resulting self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) had a biocompatibility and bio functionality. For this purpose new molecules have been developed, which are not described in the literature. These compounds are derivatives of monoalkyl phosphoric acids or alkyl phosphonic acids and contain a terminal functional oligo (ethylene glycol) unit. The compounds were assembled on the TiO2-surface by self-assembly technique from aqueous solution. The adsorbed layers were characterized by different analytical tools, like angle resolved XPS, spectroscopic ellipsometry and SPR-spectroscopy. The selective adsorption of SAMs on TiO2-surfaces and the formation of stable SAMs make it possible to prevent or minimize non specific protein adsorption and also to bind selected proteins via specific surface reactions.

This thesis begins with a brief overview of supramolecular chemistry and selfassembly and simple examples derived from Nature that provide the motivation for the work presented here. The concept of a synthetic noncovalent toolbox is then introduced. The discussion then focuses more explicitly on side-chain and main-chain functionalized motifs and the methodologies employed in supramolecular polymer functionalization. The primary hypothesis of the thesis is that the combination of supramolecular strategies, ring-opening metathesis polymerization, and a well-understood toolbox of functionalities capable of noncovalent interactions, comprises a method for generating bioinspired materials. This hypothesis was tested by synthesizing unique functionalized supramolecular polymers that allowed for a detailed understanding of the orthogonality of noncovalent interactions and how such interactions can begin to mimic the complexity of functional biomaterials. The strategies and methods discussed in the synthesis of these bioinspired materials are divided into three chapters: (1) an exploration of the self-sorting phenomena between two non-complementary pairs of hydrogen bonds along polymer side-chains, (2) the extension of the self-sorting concept to include a metal coordination moiety, and (3) the side-chain functionalization strategies of chapters 2 and 3 in combination with the main-chain ROMP methodologies discussed in chapter 1 to form orthogonally self-assembled multifunctional block copolymers. The main results of this thesis include the results that multifunctional block copolymers can be fashioned via ROMP, functionalized in both the main- and side-chains, and self-assembled in an orthogonal fashion. In addition, these studies have found that self-sorting between pairs of non-complementary hydrogen bonding motifs can occur in supramolecular synthetic systems, that the interactions are extremely solvent dependent and that these interactions can result in unexpected phenomena. These results demonstrate the importance of a fully understood toolbox for the rapid development of supramolecular materials. The knowledge derived from this toolbox and presented in chapters 2, 3, and 4, allows for the careful selection of compounds for cleverly designed self-assembly materials inspired by Nature. Finally, conclusions are drawn to the success of the synthetic toolbox and the various strategies presented herein, and potential future directions are discussed.

Die Immobilisierung von Oligo(ethylenglykol)-derivaten an Oberflächen von Metallen ist ein viel versprechender Ansatz, um unspezifische Adsorptionen von Proteinen, Bakterien und Zellen zu minimieren bzw. zu verhindern. Im Mittelpunkt der Arbeit stand die Entwicklung, Darstellung, Charakterisierung sowie Applikation maßgeschneiderter, self-assembly-fähiger Moleküle, die gezielt auf TiO2- und nicht auf SiO2-Oberflächen anbinden. Die resultierenden Monoschichten (SAMs) wiesen eine Biokompatibilität sowie Biofunktionalität auf. Dazu wurden neue bisher noch nicht beschriebene Moleküle entwickelt, die auf einer Kombination von funktionalisierten Oligo(ethylenglykol)-Einheiten mit Monoalkylphosphorsäure- und Alkylphosphonsäurederivaten basieren. Diese Verbindungen konnten durch die Anwendung der Self-Assembly-Technik erfolgreich aus wässriger Lösung auf TiO2-Substrate adsorbiert werden. Die hergestellten, ultradünnen monomolekularen Schichten wurden mit verschiedenen analytischen Methoden, wie Spektroskopische Ellipsometrie, winkelabhängiger XPS und SPR-Spektroskopie charakterisiert. Durch eine gezielte Anbindung an TiO2-Oberflächen und einer stabilen Ausbildung von SAMs konnten sowohl die unspezifische Proteinadsorption zurückgedrängt bzw. verhindert, als auch eine spezifische Anbindung von ausgewählten Proteinen realisiert werden. / The surface immobilization of oligo (ethylene glycol) on metals is a promising approach to minimize or prevent non-specific adsorption of proteins, bacteria and cells. The aim of this work was the design, preparation, characterization and application of tailor-made, self-assembly molecules, which are able to adsorbed selectively on TiO2 surfaces but not on SiO2. The resulting self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) had a biocompatibility and bio functionality. For this purpose new molecules have been developed, which are not described in the literature. These compounds are derivatives of monoalkyl phosphoric acids or alkyl phosphonic acids and contain a terminal functional oligo (ethylene glycol) unit. The compounds were assembled on the TiO2-surface by self-assembly technique from aqueous solution. The adsorbed layers were characterized by different analytical tools, like angle resolved XPS, spectroscopic ellipsometry and SPR-spectroscopy. The selective adsorption of SAMs on TiO2-surfaces and the formation of stable SAMs make it possible to prevent or minimize non specific protein adsorption and also to bind selected proteins via specific surface reactions.

Self-assembly is ubiquitous in nature. A diverse range of materials with exceptional properties are accessed from a limited number of sub-units, through controlling structural order on all length-scales. Achieving the same level of control to access functional materials akin to those in nature is a key challenge in chemistry. Self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) offers a valuable bottom-up route, governed by non-covalent interactions, to access ordered assemblies on the nanoscale. Anisotropic nanostructures, such as one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) micelle morphologies, are of particular interest for various applications including those in biomedicine, catalysis, optoelectronics, and materials engineering. Crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) of BCPs containing a crystallizable core-forming segment presents a robust route to preparing 1D and 2D micelles. Significantly, the use of pre-existing seed micelles in a process termed living CDSA allows access to 1D and 2D nanostructures of controlled size and low size-dispersity. Although CDSA protocols represent powerful tools for the formation controlled 1D and 2D nanostructures, key challenges associated with scale-up of these processes remain. In most cases, increasing the concentration at which living CDSA is performed results in competitive self-nucleation, compromising micelle size-control and dispersity. Living polymerization-induced crystallization-driven self-assembly (PI-CDSA) has been presented as a promising alternative route to accessing scalable 1D micelles. In this case, the polymerization, self-assembly, and seeded growth of a BCP containing a crystallizable core-forming segment occur in situ. However, the scope of living PI-CDSA is currently limited to the use of polyferrocenylsilane (PFS)-based BCPs. Owing to the diverse range of crystalline core chemistries compatible with CDSA protocols, and therefore various promising applications of 1D and 2D micelles, scale-up is essential to facilitate their further investigation and application. The work presented in this thesis focusses on upscaling the preparation and processing of controlled 1D and 2D micelles with a crystalline core. The scalable preparation of low dispersity 2D platelet micelles by living CDSA of a charge-terminated PFS homopolymer with surfactant counteranions is presented in Chapter 2. Here, fundamental insight into the effects of living CDSA concentration on platelet dimensions, structure fidelity, and aggregation behaviour is provided. In Chapter 3, the scope of living PI-CDSA is extended to access scalable length-controlled low dispersity 1D nanofibers containing a biodegradable poly(fluorenetrimethylenecarbonate) (PFTMC) crystalline core. PFTMC-based 1D fibers are of interest for biomedical applications, hence, in this work, it is demonstrated that living PI-CDSA can be used to prepare fibers exhibiting biologically-relevant lengths at scalable concentrations. In Chapter 4, the scalable formation of low dispersity 1D micelles by living CDSA of a PFS-based BCP in a continuous flow setup is explored. Processing of 1D micelles into microfibers using simple, low cost, and high throughput electrospinning techniques is demonstrated in Chapter 5. Finally, Chapter 6 summarises the contribution of this thesis to improving the scalability of CDSA protocols and provides future directions for this work. / Graduate / 2023-04-12

No description available.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Xiuzhi Susan Sun / Om Prakash / Rational design of peptide molecules to undergo spontaneous organization as a higher-ordered supramolecular structure is an attractive and fast-growing field for developing new functional biomaterials. Hydrogel, with its high water content and three-dimensional architecture, is formed by a self-assembling peptide and has great potential for broad biomedical applications. The key challenge in controlling the functional properties of final biomaterials can be met by designing the peptide primary structure carefully at the beginning and developing a comprehensive understanding of peptide self-assembly pathways. In this study, we first designed a Ca2+ responsive peptide (eD2) using identified functional native domains from a spider flagelliform silk protein and the Ca2+ binding domain of lipase Lip A from Serratia marcescens. Instead of directly linking the two peptide sequences, we rationally inserted the ion-binding motif into the silk structure sequence and made the new peptide inherit the physical characteristics of both model sequences and assemble into nanofibers when triggered by Ca2+. Next, we introduced the amphiphilic property to the eD2 peptide by conjugating its N-terminus with a strong hydrophobic sequence from a trans-membrane segment of human muscle L-type calcium channel. This self-assembly peptide, called h9e, was responsive to Ca2+, solution pH, and selected proteins for hydrogel formation. Interestingly, the turning segment GSII of h9e was considered to play a critical role in construction of the finial matrix. This hypothesis was further demonstrated by exploiting a series of amphiphilic diblock model peptides with different conformational flexibility. The kinetic rate of peptide assembly was suggested as one of the key influences for peptide supramolecular assembly morphology. To better understand the peptide self-assembly process during hydrogel formation, the conformational, morphological, and mechanical properties of h9e molecules in different dimethylsulfoxide/H2O solutions were monitored by 1D and 2D proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron microscopy, and a rheometer. The h9e peptide hydrogel formed with Ca2+ and albumin exhibited superior physiological and specific injectable properties, which provides a more realistic tool for 3D cell culture and drug delivery. This study generates new knowledge and contributes to the field by leading to a better understanding the self-assembly hydrogel formation and designing peptides with unique properties for biomedical applications such as cell culture, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemistry / Christer B. Aakeroy / The ability to predict and control molecular arrangements without compromising the individual molecules themselves still remains an important goal in supramolecular chemistry. This can be accomplished by establishing a hierarchy of intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen and halogen bond, which may facilitate supramolecular assembly processes. Several acetaminopyridine/acetaminomethylpyridine supramolecular reactants (SR’s) were prepared with aliphatic carboxylic acids in order to determine patterns of molecular recognition preferences of the N-H moiety. The results obtained revealed the formation of molecular cocrystals through heteromeric O-H…N/N-H…O hydrogen bonds with the acetaminopyridine/acetaminomethylpyridine binding site. Furthermore, the SR’s also reacted with metal ions resulting in robust 1D and 2D metal-containing architectures. A series of pyridyl/pyrazine mono-N-oxide compounds were synthesized and reacted with a variety of halogenated benzoic acids, in order to assess the ability of these molecules to establish binding selectivity when both a hydrogen and halogen bond donor is present. The results obtained revealed that the pyridyl/carboxylic acid synthon formed 7/7 times and halogen bonds (N-O…I or N-O…Br) extended the SR/acid dimers into 1D and 2D networks. These results were rationalized via charge calculations as well as through the hierarchical view of intermolecular interactions consisting of hydrogen and halogen bonds. Furthermore, a series of thienyl compounds were synthesized and allowed to react with halogen bond donors to determine whether the halogen bond is purely electrostatic or based on the hard and soft acids and bases principles. The results obtained showed that of the 34 reactions between a halogen bond donor and thienyl compounds, the halogen bond is predominantly electrostatic in nature. Finally, as a result of our improved understanding on molecular recognition, we were able to carry out systematic structure-property studies on a series of cocrystals of anti-cancer drug molecules with aliphatic carboxylic acids. This study revealed that systematic changes to the molecular nature of the co-crystallizing agent combined with control over the way individual building blocks are organized within the crystalline lattice makes it possible to establish predictable links between molecular structure and macroscopic physical properties, such as melting behavior, solubility, dissolution rate, etc.