The post-polymerization functionalization, characterization and application of block copolymers, hydrogels and cross-linked polymeric micro-beads to particular pharmaceutical and environmental applications are the focus of this thesis. The synthesis of a new amphiphilic and cationic block copolymer, polystyrene- b-poly(N,N,N-trimethylammoniumethylene acrylamide chloride) (PS- b-PTMEACl), from polystyrene-b-poly(tert-butylacrylate) (PS-b-P(tBuA)) is presented. The morphology of the self-assembled copolymers in water is assessed, and finally, we evaluate the potential of this nanoscale system as a bile acid sequestrant. Bile salts represent the major elimination route for cholesterol from the body and bile salt sequestrants have an established reputation as highly effective agents in the facilitation of this elimination. / We also present the functionalization of a series of carbomers and their favorable bile salt binding properties. The synthetic methods were adapted from the post-polymerization functionalization of PS-b-PtBuA. / The peculiar insolubility of ammonium tetraphenylborate in water was the fundamental property exploited in the research described in the final Chapter, where rather than ammonium-ion bearing polymers, ammonium-ion binding polymers are presented. Cross-linked PS resins were functionalized to contain pendent tetraphenylborate moieties and the ammonium-ion sequestering properties of this novel material were investigated. (Organo)ammonium ions from chemical and agro-industrial sources represent a major environmental hazard and our efforts contribute to the elimination of these toxins from effluent.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.36882 |
| Date | January 2000 |
| Creators | Cameron, Neil S. |
| Contributors | Brown, G. R. (advisor), Eisenberg, A. (advisor) |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Doctor of Philosophy (Department of Chemistry.) |
| Rights | All items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. |
| Relation | alephsysno: 001808210, proquestno: NQ69978, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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