@article{KreuzerWidmannGeigeretal.2021, author = {Kreuzer, Lucas and Widmann, Tobias and Geiger, Christina and Wang, Peixi and Vagias, Apostolos N. and Heger, Julian Eliah and Haese, Martin and Hildebrand, Viet and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M. and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter}, title = {Salt-dependent phase transition behavior of doubly thermoresponsive poly(sulfobetaine)-based diblock copolymer thin films}, series = {Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids / American Chemical Society}, volume = {37}, journal = {Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids / American Chemical Society}, number = {30}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01342}, pages = {9179 -- 9191}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The water vapor-induced swelling, as well as subsequent phase-transition kinetics, of thin films of a diblock copolymer (DBC) loaded with different amounts of the salt NaBr, is investigated in situ. In dilute aqueous solution, the DBC features an orthogonally thermoresponsive behavior. It consists of a zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine) block, namely, poly(4-(N-(3'-methacrylamidopropyl)-N, N-dimethylammonio) butane-1-sulfonate) (PSBP), showing an upper critical solution temperature, and a nonionic block, namely, poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM), exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature. The swelling kinetics in D2O vapor at 15 degrees C and the phase transition kinetics upon heating the swollen film to 60 degrees C and cooling back to 15 degrees C are followed with simultaneous time-of-flight neutron reflectometry and spectral reflectance measurements. These are complemented by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The collapse temperature of PNIPMAM and the swelling temperature of PSBP are found at lower temperatures than in aqueous solution, which is attributed to the high polymer concentration in the thin-film geometry. Upon inclusion of sub-stoichiometric amounts (relative to the monomer units) of NaBr in the films, the water incorporation is significantly increased. This increase is mainly attributed to a salting-in effect on the zwitterionic PSBP block. Whereas the addition of NaBr notably shifts the swelling temperature of PSBP to lower temperatures, the collapse temperature of PNIPMAM remains unaffected by the presence of salt in the films.}, language = {en} } @article{WangGeigerKreuzeretal.2022, author = {Wang, Peixi and Geiger, Christina and Kreuzer, Lucas and Widmann, Tobias and Reitenbach, Julija and Liang, Suzhe and Cubitt, Robert and Henschel, Cristiane and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M. and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter}, title = {Poly(sulfobetaine)-based diblock copolymer thin films in water/acetone atmosphere: modulation of water hydration and co-nonsolvency-triggered film contraction}, series = {Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids}, volume = {38}, journal = {Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids}, number = {22}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00451}, pages = {6934 -- 6948}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The water swelling and subsequent solvent exchange including co-nonsolvency behavior of thin films of a doubly thermo-responsive diblock copolymer (DBC) are studied viaspectral reflectance, time-of-flight neutron reflectometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The DBC consists of a thermo-responsive zwitterionic (poly(4-((3-methacrylamidopropyl) dimethylammonio) butane-1-sulfonate)) (PSBP) block, featuring an upper critical solution temperature transition in aqueous media but being insoluble in acetone, and a nonionic poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) block, featuring a lower critical solution temperature transition in water, while being soluble in acetone. Homogeneous DBC films of 50-100 nm thickness are first swollen in saturated water vapor (H2OorD2O), before they are subjected to a contraction process by exposure to mixed saturated water/acetone vapor (H2OorD2O/acetone-d6 = 9:1 v/v). The affinity of the DBC film toward H2O is stronger than for D2O, as inferred from the higher film thickness in the swollen state and the higher absorbed water content, thus revealing a pronounced isotope sensitivity. During the co-solvent-induced switching by mixed water/acetone vapor, a two-step film contraction is observed, which is attributed to the delayed expulsion of water molecules and uptake of acetone molecules. The swelling kinetics are compared for both mixed vapors (H2O/acetone-d6 and D2O/acetone-d6) and with those of the related homopolymer films. Moreover, the concomitant variations of the local environment around the hydrophilic groups located in the PSBP and PNIPMAM blocks are followed. The first contraction step turns out to be dominated by the behavior of the PSBP block, where as the second one is dominated by the PNIPMAM block. The unusual swelling and contraction behavior of the latter block is attributed to its co-nonsolvency behavior. Furthermore, we observe cooperative hydration effects in the DBC films, that is, both polymer blocks influence each other's solvation behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{KreuzerLindenmeirGeigeretal.2021, author = {Kreuzer, Lucas and Lindenmeir, Christoph and Geiger, Christina and Widmann, Tobias and Hildebrand, Viet and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M. and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter}, title = {Poly(sulfobetaine) versus poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide)}, series = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {54}, journal = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02281}, pages = {1548 -- 1556}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The swelling and co-nonsolvency behaviors in pure H2O and in a mixed H2O/CH3OH vapor atmosphere of two different polar, water-soluble polymers in thin film geometry are studied in situ. Films of a zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine), namely, poly[3-((2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl)dimethylammonio) propane-1-sulfonate] (PSPE), and a polar nonionic polymer, namely, poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM), are investigated in real time by spectral reflectance (SR) measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Whereas PSPE is insoluble in methanol, PNIPMAM is soluble but exhibits cononsolvency behavior in water/methanol mixtures. First, the swelling of PSPE and PNIPMAM thin films in H2O vapor is followed. Subsequently, CH3OH is added to the vapor atmosphere, and its contracting effect on the water-swollen films is monitored, revealing a co-nonsolvency-type behavior for PNIPMAM and PSPE. SR measurements indicate that PSPE and PNIPMAM behave significantly different during the H2O swelling and subsequent exposure to CH3OH, not only with respect to the amounts of absorbed water and CH3OH, but also to the cosolvent-induced contraction mechanisms. While PSPE thin films exhibit an abrupt one-step contraction, the contraction of PNIPMAM thin films occurs in two steps. FTIR studies corroborate these findings on a molecular scale and reveal the role of the specific functional groups, both during the swelling and the cosolvent-induced switching of the solvation state.}, language = {en} } @article{SchoenemannKocKarthaeuseretal.2021, author = {Sch{\"o}nemann, Eric and Koc, Julian and Karth{\"a}user, Jana and {\"O}zcan, Onur and Schanzenbach, Dirk and Schardt, Lisa and Rosenhahn, Axel and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e}}, title = {Sulfobetaine methacrylate polymers of unconventional polyzwitterion architecture and their antifouling properties}, series = {Biomacromolecules : an interdisciplinary journal focused at the interface of polymer science and the biological sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {Biomacromolecules : an interdisciplinary journal focused at the interface of polymer science and the biological sciences}, number = {4}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1525-7797}, doi = {10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01705}, pages = {1494 -- 1508}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Combining high hydrophilicity with charge neutrality, polyzwitterions are intensely explored for their high biocompatibility and low-fouling properties. Recent reports indicated that in addition to charge neutrality, the zwitterion's segmental dipole orientation is an important factor for interacting with the environment. Accordingly, a series of polysulfobetaines with a novel architecture was designed, in which the cationic and anionic groups of the zwitterionic moiety are placed at equal distances from the backbone. They were investigated by in vitro biofouling assays, covering proteins of different charges and model marine organisms. All polyzwitterion coatings reduced the fouling effectively compared to model polymer surfaces of poly(butyl methacrylate), with a nearly equally good performance as the reference polybetaine poly(3-(N-(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonio)propanesulfonate). The specific fouling resistance depended on the detailed chemical structure of the polyzwitterions. Still, while clearly affecting the performance, the precise dipole orientation of the sulfobetaine group in the polyzwitterions seems overall to be only of secondary importance for their antifouling behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{KocSchardtNolteetal.2020, author = {Koc, Julian and Schardt, Lisa and Nolte, Kim and Beyer, Cindy and Eckhard, Till and Schwiderowski, Philipp and Clarke, Jessica L. and Finlay, John A. and Clare, Anthony S. and Muhler, Martin and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Rosenhahn, Axel}, title = {Effect of dipole orientation in mixed, charge-equilibrated self-assembled monolayers on protein adsorption and marine biofouling}, series = {ACS applied materials \& interfaces}, volume = {12}, journal = {ACS applied materials \& interfaces}, number = {45}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.0c11580}, pages = {50953 -- 50961}, year = {2020}, abstract = {While zwitterionic interfaces are known for their excellent low-fouling properties, the underlying molecular principles are still under debate. In particular, the role of the zwitterion orientation at the interface has been discussed recently. For elucidation of the effect of this parameter, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold were prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of oppositely charged alkyl thiols bearing either a quaternary ammonium or a carboxylate moiety. The alkyl chain length of the cationic component (11-mercaptoundecyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium, which controls the distance of the positively charged end group from the substrate's surface, was kept constant. In contrast, the anionic component and, correspondingly, the distance of the negatively charged carboxylate groups from the surface was varied by changing the alkyl chain length in the thiol molecules from 7 (8-mercaptooctanoic acid) to 11 (12-mercaptododecanoic acid) to 15 (16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid). In this way, the charge neutrality of the coating was maintained, but the charged groups exposed at the interface to water were varied, and thus, the orientation of the dipoles in the SAMs was altered. In model biofouling studies, protein adsorption, diatom accumulation, and the settlement of zoospores were all affected by the altered charge distribution. This demonstrates the importance of the dipole orientation in mixed-charged SAMs for their inertness to nonspecific protein adsorption and the accumulation of marine organisms. Overall, biofouling was lowest when both the anionic and the cationic groups were placed at the same distance from the substrate's surface.}, language = {en} } @article{HuLinMetwallietal.2023, author = {Hu, Neng and Lin, Li and Metwalli, Ezzeldin and Bießmann, Lorenz and Philipp, Martine and Hildebrand, Viet and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M. and Cubitt, Robert and Zhong, Qi and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter}, title = {Kinetics of water transfer between the LCST and UCST thermoresponsive blocks in diblock copolymer thin films monitored by in situ neutron reflectivity}, series = {Advanced materials interfaces}, volume = {10}, journal = {Advanced materials interfaces}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {2196-7350}, doi = {10.1002/admi.202201913}, pages = {11}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The kinetics of water transfer between the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and upper critical solution temperature (UCST) thermoresponsive blocks in about 10 nm thin films of a diblock copolymer is monitored by in situ neutron reflectivity. The UCST-exhibiting block in the copolymer consists of the zwitterionic poly(4((3-methacrylamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)butane-1-sulfonate), abbreviated as PSBP. The LCST-exhibiting block consists of the nonionic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), abbreviated as PNIPAM. The as-prepared PSBP80-b-PNIPAM(400) films feature a three-layer structure, i.e., PNIPAM, mixed PNIPAM and PSBP, and PSBP. Both blocks have similar transition temperatures (TTs), namely around 32 degrees C for PNIPAM, and around 35 degrees C for PSBP, and with a two-step heating protocol (20 degrees C to 40 degrees C and 40 degrees C to 80 degrees C), both TTs are passed. The response to such a thermal stimulus turns out to be complex. Besides a three-step process (shrinkage, rearrangement, and reswelling), a continuous transfer of D2O from the PNIPAM to the PSBP block is observed. Due to the existence of both, LCST and UCST blocks in the PSBP80-b-PNIPAM(400 )film, the water transfer from the contracting PNIPAM, and mixed layers to the expanding PSBP layer occurs. Thus, the hydration kinetics and thermal response differ markedly from a thermoresponsive polymer film with a single LCST transition.}, language = {en} } @article{SchoenemannKocAldredetal.2019, author = {Sch{\"o}nemann, Eric and Koc, Julian and Aldred, Nick and Clare, Anthony S. and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Rosenhahn, Axel and Wischerhoff, Erik}, title = {Synthesis of Novel Sulfobetaine Polymers with Differing Dipole Orientations in Their Side Chains, and Their Effects on the Antifouling Properties}, series = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, volume = {41}, journal = {Macromolecular rapid communications}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1022-1336}, doi = {10.1002/marc.201900447}, pages = {7}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The impact of the orientation of zwitterionic groups, with respect to the polymer backbone, on the antifouling performance of thin hydrogel films made of polyzwitterions is explored. In an extension of the recent discussion about differences in the behavior of polymeric phosphatidylcholines and choline phosphates, a quasi-isomeric set of three poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate)s is designed for this purpose. The design is based on the established monomer 3-[N-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-N,N-dimethyl]ammonio-propane-1-sulfonate and two novel sulfobetaine methacrylates, in which the positions of the cationic and the ionic groups relative to the polymerizable group, and thus also to the polymer backbone, are altered. The effect of the varied segmental dipole orientation on their water solubility, wetting behavior by water, and fouling resistance is compared. As model systems, the adsorption of the model proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrinogen, and lysozyme onto films of the various polyzwitterion surfaces is studied, as well as the settlement of a diatom (Navicula perminuta) and barnacle cyprids (Balanus improvisus) as representatives of typical marine fouling communities. The results demonstrate the important role of the zwitterionic group's orientation on the polymer behavior and fouling resistance.}, language = {en} } @article{LaschewskyRosenhahn2019, author = {Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Rosenhahn, Axel}, title = {Molecular design of zwitterionic polymer interfaces}, series = {Langmuir}, volume = {35}, journal = {Langmuir}, number = {5}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01789}, pages = {1056 -- 1071}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The widespread occurrence of zwitterionic compounds in nature has incited their frequent use in designing biomimetic materials. Therefore, zwitterionic polymers are a thriving field. A particular interest for this particular polymer class has currently focused on their use in establishing neutral, low-fouling surfaces. After highlighting strategies to prepare model zwitterionic surfaces as well as those that are more suitable for practical purposes relying strongly on radical polymerization methods, we present recent efforts to diversify the structure of the hitherto quite limited variety of zwitterionic monomers and of the derived polymers. We identify key structural variables, consider their influence on essential properties such as overall hydrophilicity and long-term stability, and discuss promising targets for the synthesis of new variants.}, language = {en} } @article{KreuzerWidmannHohnetal.2019, author = {Kreuzer, Lucas and Widmann, Tobias and Hohn, Nuri and Wang, Kun and Biessmann, Lorenz and Peis, Leander and Moulin, Jean-Francois and Hildebrand, Viet and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M. and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter}, title = {Swelling and exchange behavior of poly(sulfobetaine)-based block copolymer thin films}, series = {Macromolecules : web edition}, volume = {52}, journal = {Macromolecules : web edition}, number = {9}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.9b00443}, pages = {3486 -- 3498}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The humidity-induced swelling and exchange behavior of a block copolymer thin film, which consists of a zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine) [poly(N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-(methacrylamido)propyl)ammoniopropanesulfonate) (PSPP)] block and a nonionic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) block, are investigated by time-of-flight neutron reflectometry (TOF-NR). We monitor in situ the swelling in the H2O atmosphere, followed by an exchange with D2O. In the reverse experiment, swelling in the D2O atmosphere and the subsequent exchange with H2O are studied. Both, static and kinetic TOF-NR measurements indicate significant differences in the interactions between the PSPP80-b-PNIPAM(130) thin film and H2O or D2O, which we attribute to the different H- and D-bonds between water and the polymer. Changes in the chain conformation and hydrogen bonding are probed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy during the kinetics of the swelling and exchange processes, which reveals the key roles of the ionic SO3- group in the PSPP block and of the polar amide groups of both blocks during water uptake and exchange.}, language = {en} } @article{KocSimovichSchoenemannetal.2019, author = {Koc, Julian and Simovich, Tomer and Sch{\"o}nemann, Eric and Chilkoti, Ashutosh and Gardner, Harrison and Swain, Geoffrey W. and Hunsucker, Kelli and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Rosenhahn, Axel}, title = {Sediment challenge to promising ultra-low fouling hydrophilic surfaces in the marine environment}, series = {Biofouling : the journal of bioadhesion and biofilm research}, volume = {35}, journal = {Biofouling : the journal of bioadhesion and biofilm research}, number = {4}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {0892-7014}, doi = {10.1080/08927014.2019.1611790}, pages = {454 -- 462}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Hydrophilic coatings exhibit ultra-low fouling properties in numerous laboratory experiments. In stark contrast, the antifouling effect of such coatings in vitro failed when performing field tests in the marine environment. The fouling release performance of nonionic and zwitterionic hydrophilic polymers was substantially reduced compared to the controlled laboratory environment. Microscopy and spectroscopy revealed that a large proportion of the accumulated material in field tests contains inorganic compounds and diatomaceous soil. Diatoms adhered to the accumulated material on the coating, but not to the pristine polymer. Simulating field tests in the laboratory using sediment samples collected from the test sites showed that incorporated sand and diatomaceous earth impairs the fouling release characteristics of the coatings. When exposed to marine sediment from multiple locations, particulate matter accumulated on these coatings and served as attachment points for diatom adhesion and enhanced fouling. Future developments of hydrophilic coatings should consider accumulated sediment and its potential impact on the antifouling performance.}, language = {en} } @article{VishnevetskayaHildebrandNizardoetal.2019, author = {Vishnevetskaya, Natalya S. and Hildebrand, Viet and Nizardo, Noverra Mardhatillah and Ko, Chia-Hsin and Di, Zhenyu and Radulescu, Aurel and Barnsley, Lester C. and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M.}, title = {All-in-One "Schizophrenic" self-assembly of orthogonally tuned thermoresponsive diblock copolymers}, series = {Langmuir}, volume = {35}, journal = {Langmuir}, number = {19}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00241}, pages = {6441 -- 6452}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Smart, fully orthogonal switching was realized in a highly biocompatible diblock copolymer system with variable trigger-induced aqueous self-assembly. The polymers are composed of nonionic and zwitterionic blocks featuring lower and upper critical solution temperatures (LCSTs and UCSTs). In the system investigated, diblock copolymers from poly(N-isopropyl methacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) and a poly(sulfobetaine methacrylamide), systematic variation of the molar mass of the latter block allowed for shifting the UCST of the latter above the LCST of the PNIPMAM block in a salt-free condition. Thus, successive thermal switching results in "schizophrenic" micellization, in which the roles of the hydrophobic core block and the hydrophilic shell block are interchanged depending on the temperature. Furthermore, by virtue of the strong electrolyte-sensitivity of the zwitterionic polysulfobetaine block, we succeeded to shift its UCST below the LCST of the PNIPMAM block by adding small amounts of an electrolyte, thus inverting the pathway of switching. This superimposed orthogonal switching by electrolyte addition enabled us to control the switching scenarios between the two types of micelles (i) via an insoluble state, if the LCST-type cloud point is below the UCST-type cloud point, which is the case at low salt concentrations or (ii) via a molecularly dissolved state, if the LCST-type cloud point is above the UCST-type cloud point, which is the case at high salt concentrations. Systematic variation of the block lengths allowed for verifying the anticipated behavior and identifying the molecular architecture needed. The versatile and tunable self-assembly offers manifold opportunities, for example, for smart emulsifiers or for sophisticated carrier systems.}, language = {en} } @article{CramerGambinossiWischerhoffetal.2015, author = {Cramer, Ashley D. and Gambinossi, Filippo and Wischerhoff, Erik and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Miller, Reinhard and Ferri, James K.}, title = {Flexible thermoresponsive nanomembranes at the aqueous-air interface}, series = {Chemical communications}, volume = {51}, journal = {Chemical communications}, number = {5}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1359-7345}, doi = {10.1039/c4cc07359b}, pages = {877 -- 880}, year = {2015}, abstract = {A synthetic pathway is described to construct thermoresponsive freestanding nanomembranes at the aqueous-air interface of a pendant drop. Dynamic control of the reaction kinetics allows formation of viscoelastic interfaces supporting anisotropic stresses and mechanical stability, which can be tuned by external stimuli.}, language = {en} } @article{GambinossiSefcikWischerhoffetal.2015, author = {Gambinossi, Filippo and Sefcik, Lauren S. and Wischerhoff, Erik and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Ferri, James K.}, title = {Engineering Adhesion to Thermoresponsive Substrates: Effect of Polymer Composition on Liquid-Liquid-Solid Wetting}, series = {ACS applied materials \& interfaces}, volume = {7}, journal = {ACS applied materials \& interfaces}, number = {4}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1944-8244}, doi = {10.1021/am507418m}, pages = {2518 -- 2528}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Adhesion control in liquidliquidsolid systems represents a challenge for applications ranging from self-cleaning to biocompatibility of engineered materials. By using responsive polymer chemistry and molecular self-assembly, adhesion at solid/liquid interfaces can be achieved and modulated by external stimuli. Here, we utilize thermosensitive polymeric materials based on random copolymers of di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (x = MEO(2)MA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (y = OEGMA), that is, P(MEO(2)MA(x)-co-OEGMA(y)), to investigate the role of hydrophobicity on the phenomenon of adhesion. The copolymer ratio (x/y) dictates macromolecular changes enabling control of the hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HBL) of the polymer brushes through external triggers such as ionic strength and temperature. We discuss the HBL of the thermobrushes in terms of the surface energy of the substrate by measuring the contact angle at waterdecaneP(MEO(2)MA(x)-co-OEGMA(y)) brush contact line as a function of polymer composition and temperature. Solid supported polyelectrolyte layers grafted with P(MEO(2)MA(x)-co-OEGMA(y)) display a transition in the wettability that is related to the lower critical solution temperature of the polymer brushes. Using experimental observation of the hydrophilic to hydrophobic transition by the contact angle, we extract the underlying energetics associated with liquidliquidsolid adhesion as a function of the copolymer ratio. The change in cellular attachment on P(MEO(2)MA(x)-co-OEGMA(y)) substrates of variable (x/y) composition demonstrates the subtle role of compositional tuning on the ability to control liquidliquidsolid adhesion in biological applications.}, language = {en} } @article{AdelsbergerBivigouKoumbaMiasnikovaetal.2015, author = {Adelsberger, Joseph and Bivigou Koumba, Achille Mayelle and Miasnikova, Anna and Busch, Peter and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter and Papadakis, Christine M.}, title = {Polystyrene-block-poly (methoxy diethylene glycol acrylate)-block-polystyrene triblock copolymers in aqueous solution-a SANS study of the temperature-induced switching behavior}, series = {Colloid and polymer science : official journal of the Kolloid-Gesellschaft}, volume = {293}, journal = {Colloid and polymer science : official journal of the Kolloid-Gesellschaft}, number = {5}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0303-402X}, doi = {10.1007/s00396-015-3535-6}, pages = {1515 -- 1523}, year = {2015}, abstract = {A concentrated solution of a symmetric triblock copolymer with a thermoresponsive poly(methoxy diethylene glycol acrylate) (PMDEGA) middle block and short hydrophobic, fully deuterated polystyrene end blocks is investigated in D2O where it undergoes a lower critical solution temperature-type phase transition at ca. 36 A degrees C. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in a wide temperature range (15-50 A degrees C) is used to characterize the size and inner structure of the micelles as well as the correlation between the micelles and the formation of aggregates by the micelles above the cloud point (CP). A model featuring spherical core-shell micelles, which are correlated by a hard-sphere potential or a sticky hard-sphere potential together with a Guinier form factor describing aggregates formed by the micelles above the CP, fits the SANS curves well in the entire temperature range. The thickness of the thermoresponsive micellar PMDEGA shell as well as the hard-sphere radius increase slightly already below the cloud point. Whereas the thickness of the thermoresponsive micellar shell hardly shrinks when heating through the CP and up to 50 A degrees C, the hard-sphere radius decreases within 3.5 K at the CP. The volume fraction decreases already significantly below the CP, which may be at the origin of the previously observed gel-sol transition far below the CP (Miasnikova et al., Langmuir 28: 4479-4490, 2012). Above the CP, small, and at higher temperatures, large aggregates are formed by the micelles.}, language = {en} } @article{deMolinaIhlefeldtPrevostetal.2015, author = {de Molina, Paula Malo and Ihlefeldt, Franziska Stefanie and Prevost, Sylvain and Herfurth, Christoph and Appavou, Marie-Sousai and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Gradzielski, Michael}, title = {Phase Behavior of Nonionic Microemulsions with Multi-end-capped Polymers and Its Relation to the Mesoscopic Structure}, series = {Langmuir}, volume = {31}, journal = {Langmuir}, number = {18}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b00817}, pages = {5198 -- 5209}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The polymer architecture of telechelic or associative polymers has a large impact on the bridging of self-assembled structures. This Work presents: the phase behavior, small angle neutron scattering (SANS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) of a nonionic oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion with hydrophobically end-capped multiarm polymers With functionalities f = 2, 3, and 4. For high polymer concentrations and large average interdroplet distance relative to the end-to-end distance of the polymer, d/R-ee; the system phase separates into a dense, highly connected droplet network phase, in equilibrium with a dilute phase. The extent of the two-phase region is larger for polymers With similar length but higher f. The Interaction potential between the droplets in the presence of polymer has both a repulsive and an attractive contribution as a result of the counterbalancing effects of the exclusion by polymer chains and bridging between droplets. This study experimentally demonstrates that higher polymer functionalities induce a stronger attractive force between droplets, which is responsible for a more extended phase separation region., and correlate with lower Collective droplet diffusivities and higher amplitude of the second relaxation time in DLS. The viscosity and the droplet self-diffusion obtained from FCS, however, are dominated by the end-capped chain concentration.}, language = {en} } @article{CouturierSuetterlinLaschewskyetal.2015, author = {Couturier, Jean-Philippe and S{\"u}tterlin, Martin and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Hettrich, Cornelia and Wischerhoff, Erik}, title = {Responsive Inverse Opal Hydrogels for the Sensing of Macromolecules}, series = {Angewandte Chemie : a journal of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker ; International edition}, volume = {54}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie : a journal of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker ; International edition}, number = {22}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1433-7851}, doi = {10.1002/anie.201500674}, pages = {6641 -- 6644}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Dual responsive inverse opal hydrogels were designed as autonomous sensor systems for (bio)macromolecules, exploiting the analyte-induced modulation of the opal's structural color. The systems that are based on oligo(ethylene glycol) macromonomers additionally incorporate comonomers with various recognition units. They combine a coil-to-globule collapse transition of the LCST type with sensitivity of the transition temperature toward molecular recognition processes. This enables the specific detection of macromolecular analytes, such as glycopolymers and proteins, by simple optical methods. While the inverse opal structure assists the effective diffusion even of large analytes into the photonic crystal, the stimulus responsiveness gives rise to strong shifts of the optical Bragg peak of more than 100nm upon analyte binding at a given temperature. The systems' design provides a versatile platform for the development of easy-to-use, fast, and low-cost sensors for pathogens.}, language = {en} } @article{FandrichBullerSchaeferetal.2015, author = {Fandrich, Artur and Buller, Jens and Sch{\"a}fer, Daniel and Wischerhoff, Erik and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Lisdat, Fred}, title = {Electrochemical characterization of a responsive macromolecular interface on gold}, series = {Physica status solidi : A, Applications and materials science}, volume = {212}, journal = {Physica status solidi : A, Applications and materials science}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6300}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201431698}, pages = {1359 -- 1367}, year = {2015}, abstract = {This study reports on the investigation of a thermoresponsive polymer as a thin film on electrodes and the influence of coupling a peptide and an antibody to the film. The utilized polymer from the class of poly(oligoethylene glycol)-methacrylate polymers (poly(OEGMA)) with carboxy functions containing side chains was synthesized and properly characterized in aqueous solutions. The dependence of the cloud point on the pH of the surrounding media is discussed. The responsive polymer was immobilized on gold electrodes as shown by electrochemical, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The temperature dependent behavior of the polymer covalently grafted to gold substrates is investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in ferro-/ferricyanide solution. Significant changes in the slope of the temperature-dependence of the voltammetric peak current and the peak separation values clearly indicate the thermally induced conformational change on the surface. Finally, a biorecognition reaction between a short FLAG peptide (N-Asp-Tyr-Lys-Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Lys-C) covalently immobilized on the polymer interface and the corresponding IgG antibody was performed. The study shows that the responsiveness of the electrode is retained after peptide coupling and antibody binding, although the response is diminished.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhongMetwalliRawolleetal.2015, author = {Zhong, Qi and Metwalli, Ezzeldin and Rawolle, Monika and Kaune, Gunar and Bivigou Koumba, Achille Mayelle and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Papadakis, Christine M. and Cubitt, Robert and M{\"u}ller-Buschbaum, Peter}, title = {Rehydration of Thermoresponsive Poly(monomethoxydiethylene glycol acrylate) Films Probed in Situ by Real-Time Neutron Reflectivity}, series = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {48}, journal = {Macromolecules : a publication of the American Chemical Society}, number = {11}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0024-9297}, doi = {10.1021/acs.macromol.5b00645}, pages = {3604 -- 3612}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The rehydration of thermoresponsive poly(monomethoxydiethylene glycol acrylate) (PMDEGA) films exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type demixing phase transition in aqueous environments, induced by a decrease in temperature, is investigated in situ with real-time neutron reflectivity. Two different starting conditions (collapsed versus partially swollen chain conformation) are compared. In one experiment, the temperature is reduced from above the demixing temperature to well below the demixing temperature. In a second experiment, the starting temperature is below the demixing temperature, but within the transition regime, and reduced to the same final temperature. In both cases, the observed rehydration process can be divided into three stages: first condensation of water from the surrounding atmosphere, then absorption of water by the PMDEGA film and evaporation of excess water, and finally, rearrangement of the PMDEGA chains. The final rehydrated film is thicker and contains more absorbed water as compared with the initially swollen film at the same temperature well below the demixing temperature.}, language = {en} } @article{ZerballLaschewskyvonKlitzing2015, author = {Zerball, Maximilian and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and von Klitzing, Regine}, title = {Swelling of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers: The Relation Between, Surface and Bulk Characteristics}, series = {The journal of physical chemistry : B, Condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces \& biophysical chemistry}, volume = {119}, journal = {The journal of physical chemistry : B, Condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces \& biophysical chemistry}, number = {35}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b04350}, pages = {11879 -- 11886}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The odd even effect, i.e., the influence of the outermost layer of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) on their swelling behavior, is investigated. For that purpose poly(styrene sodium sulfonate) (PSS)/poly(diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) polyelectrolyte multilayers are studied in air with 1\% relative humidity (RH), 30\% RH, 95\% RH, and in liquid water by ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray reflectometry (XRR). Since the total amount of water uptake in swollen PEMs is divided into two fractions, the void water and the swelling water, a correct evaluation of the odd even effect is only possible if both fractions are examined separately. In order to allow measuring samples over a larger thickness regime the investigation of a larger amount of samples is required. Therefore, the concept of separating void water from swelling water using neutron reflectometry is for the first time transferred to ellipsometry. The subsequent analysis of swelling water, void water, and roughness revealed the existence of two types of odd even effects: an odd even effect which addresses only the surface of the PEM (surface-odd even effect) and an odd even effect which addresses also the bulk of the PEM (bulk-odd even effect). The appearance of both effects is dependent on the environment; the surface-odd even effect is only detectable in humid air while the bulk-odd even effect is only detectable in liquid water. The bulk-odd even effect is related to the osmotic pressure between the PEM and the surrounding water. A correlation between the amount of void water and both odd even effects is not found. The amount of void water is independent of the terminated layer and the thickness of PEMs.}, language = {en} } @article{KopecLapokLaschewskyetal.2014, author = {Kopec, Maciej and Lapok, Lukasz and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Zapotoczny, Szczepan and Nowakowska, Maria}, title = {Polyelectrolyte multilayers with perfluorinated phthalocyanine selectively entrapped inside the perfluorinated nanocompartments}, series = {Soft matter}, volume = {10}, journal = {Soft matter}, number = {10}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1744-683X}, doi = {10.1039/c2sm26938d}, pages = {1481 -- 1488}, year = {2014}, abstract = {A novel perfluorinated magnesium phthalocyanine (MgPcF64) was synthesized and employed to probe nanodomains in hydrophobically modified, amphiphilic cationic polyelectrolytes bearing alkyl and/or fluoroalkyl side chains. MgPcF64 was found to be solubilized exclusively in the aqueous solutions of the fluorocarbon modified polycations, occupying the perfluorinated nanocompartments provided, while analogous polyelectrolytes with alkyl side chains forming hydrocarbon nanocompartments could not host the MgPcF64 dye. Multilayer films were fabricated by means of the layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition method using sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) as a polyanion. Linear multilayer growth was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Atomic force microscopy studies indicated that the micellar conformation of the polycations is preserved in the multilayer films. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements confirmed that MgPcF64 stays embedded inside the fluorocarbon domains after the deposition process. This facile way of selectively incorporating water-insoluble, photoactive molecules into the structure of polyelectrolyte multilayers may be utilized for nanoengineering of ultrathin film-based optoelectronic devices.}, language = {en} }