@phdthesis{Doering2022, author = {Doering, Ulrike}, title = {Preparation, characterization and modification of oil loaded protein microcapsules and composite protein-mineral microcapsules}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-55958}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-559589}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {viii, 115}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Diese Doktorarbeit behandelt die Synthese von Protein- und kompositen Protein-Mineral-Mikrokapseln durch die Anwendung von hochintensivem Ultraschall an der {\"O}l-Wasser-Grenzfl{\"a}che. W{\"a}hrend ein System durch BSA-Molek{\"u}le stabilisiert wird, wird das andere System durch verschiedene mit BSA modifizierten Nanopartikeln stabilisiert. Sowohl von allen Synthesestufen als auch von den resultierenden Kapseln wurden umfassende Untersuchungen durchgef{\"u}hrt und eine plausible Erkl{\"a}rung f{\"u}r den Mechanismus der Kapselbildung wurde vorgestellt. W{\"a}hrend der Bildung der BSA-Mikrokapseln adsorbieren die Proteinmolek{\"u}le als Erstes an der O/W-Grenzfl{\"a}che, entfalten sich dort und bilden ein Netzwerk, das durch hydrophobe Wechselwirkungen und Wasserstoffbr{\"u}ckenbindungen zwischen den benachbarten Molek{\"u}len stabilisiert wird. Gleichzeitig bewirkt die Ultraschallbehandlung die Quervernetzung der BSA-Molek{\"u}le {\"u}ber die Bildung von intermolekularen Disulfidbindungen. In dieser Doktorarbeit werden die experimentellen Nachweise f{\"u}r die durch Ultraschall induzierte Quervernetzung von BSA in den Schalen der proteinbasierten Mikrokapseln aufgezeigt. Deshalb wurde das Konzept, das vor vielen Jahren von Suslick und seinen Mitarbeitern vorgestellt wurde, zum ersten Mal durch experimentelle Nachweise best{\"a}tigt. Außerdem wurde ein konsistenter Mechanismus f{\"u}r die Bildung der intermolekularen Disulfidbindungen in der Kapselschale vorgestellt, der auf der Neuverteilung der Thiol- und Disulfidgruppen in BSA unter der Wirkung von hochenergetischem Ultraschall basiert. Auch die Bildung von kompositen Protein-Mineral-Mikrokapseln, die mit drei verschiedenen {\"O}len gef{\"u}llt wurden und deren Schalen aus Nanopartikeln bestehen, war erfolgreich. Die Beschaffenheit des {\"O}ls und die Art der Nanopartikel in der Schale hatten Einfluss auf die Gr{\"o}ße und Form der Mikrokapseln. Die Untersuchung der kompositen Kapseln zeigte, dass die BSA-Molek{\"u}le, die an der Oberfl{\"a}che der Nanopartikel in der Kapselschale adsorbiert sind, nicht durch intermolekulare Disulfidbindungen quervernetzt sind. Stattdessen findet die Bildung einer Pickering-Emulsion statt. Die Oberfl{\"a}chenmodifizierung der kompositen Mikrokapseln durch Vormodifizierung der Hauptbestandteile und auch durch Postmodifizierung der Oberfl{\"a}che der fertigen kompositen Mikrokapseln wurde erfolgreich demonstriert. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurden die mechanischen Eigenschaften beider Kapselarten verglichen. Dabei erwiesen sich die Protein-Mikrokapseln widerstandsf{\"a}higer gegen{\"u}ber elastischer Deformation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Pruefert2022, author = {Pr{\"u}fert, Christian}, title = {Laser ablation and matter sizing}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-55974}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-559745}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {IX, 96}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The doctoral thesis presented provides a comprehensive view of laser-based ablation techniques promoted to new fields of operation, including, but not limited to, size, composition, and concentration analyses. It covers various applications of laser ablation techniques over a wide range of sizes, from single molecules all the way to aerosol particles. The research for this thesis started with broadening and deepening the field of application and the fundamental understanding of liquid-phase IR-MALDI. Here, the hybridization of ion mobility spectrometry and microfluidics was realized by using IR-MALDI as the coupling technique for the first time. The setup was used for monitoring the photocatalytic performance of the E-Z isomerization of olefins. Using this hybrid, measurement times were so drastically reduced that such photocatalyst screenings became a matter of minutes rather than hours. With this on hand, triple measurements screenings could not only be performed within ten minutes, but also with a minimum amount of resources highlighting its potential as a green chemistry alternative to batch-sized reactions. Along the optimizing process of the IR-MALDI source for microfluidics came its application for another liquid sample supply method, the hanging drop. This demarcated one of the first applications of IR-MALDI for the charging of sub-micron particles directly from suspensions via their gas-phase transfer, followed by their characterization with differential mobility analysis. Given the high spectral quality of the data up to octuply charged particles became experimentally accessible, this laid the foundation for deriving a new charge distribution model for IR-MALDI in that size regime. Moving on to even larger analyte sizes, LIBS and LII were employed as ablation techniques for the solid phase, namely the aerosol particles themselves. Both techniques produce light-emitting events and were used to quantify and classify different aerosols. The unique configuration of stroboscopic imaging, photoacoustics, LII, and LIBS measurements opened new realms for analytical synergies and their potential application in industry. The concept of using low fluences, below 100 J/cm2, and high repetition rates of up to 500 Hz for LIBS makes for an excellent phase-selective LIBS setup. This concept was combined with a new approach to the photoacoustic normalization of LIBS. Also, it was possible to acquire statistically relevant amounts of data in a matter of seconds, showing its potential as a real-time optimization technique. On the same time axis, but at much lower fluences, LII was used with a similar methodology to quickly quantify and classify airborne particles of different compositions. For the first time, aerosol particles were evaluated on their LII susceptibility by using a fluence screening approach.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kwesiga2022, author = {Kwesiga, George}, title = {Synthesis of isoflavonoids from African medicinal plants with activity against tropical infectious diseases}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-55906}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-559069}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {xxi, 175}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Two approaches for the synthesis of prenylated isoflavones were explored: the 2,3-oxidative rearrangement/cross metathesis approach, using hypervalent iodine reagents as oxidants and the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling/cross metathesis approach. Three natural prenylated isoflavones: 5-deoxy-3′-prenylbiochanin A (59), erysubin F (61) and 7-methoxyebenosin (64), and non-natural analogues: 7,4′-dimethoxy-8,3′-diprenylisoflavone (126j) and 4′-hydroxy-7-methoxy-8,3′-diprenylisoflavone (128) were synthesized for the first time via the 2,3-oxidative rearrangement/cross metathesis approach, using mono- or diallylated flavanones as key intermediates. The reaction of flavanones with hypervalent iodine reagents afforded isoflavones via a 2,3-oxidative rearrangement and the corresponding flavone isomers via a 2,3-dehydrogenation. This afforded the synthesis of 7,4′-dimethoxy-8-prenylflavone (127g), 7,4′-dimethoxy-8,3′-diprenylflavone (127j), 7,4′-dihydroxy-8,3′-diprenylflavone (129) and 4′-hydroxy-7-methoxy-8,3′-diprenylflavone (130), the non-natural regioisomers of 7-methoxyebenosin, 126j, erysubin F and 128 respectively. Three natural prenylated isoflavones: 3′-prenylbiochanin A (58), neobavaisoflavone (66) and 7-methoxyneobavaisoflavone (137) were synthesized for the first time using the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling/cross metathesis approach. The structures of 3′-prenylbiochanin A (58) and 5-deoxy-3′-prenylbiochanin A (59) were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The 2,3-oxidative rearrangement approach appears to be limited to the substitution pattern on both rings A and B of the flavanone while the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling approach appears to be the most suitable for the synthesis of simple isoflavones or prenylated isoflavones whose prenyl substituents or allyl groups, the substituents that are essential precursors for the prenyl side chains, can be regioselectively introduced after the construction of the isoflavone core. The chalcone-flavanone hybrids 146, 147 and 148, hybrids of the naturally occurring bioactive flavanones liquiritigenin-7-methyl ether, liquiritigenin and liquiritigenin-4′-methyl ether respectively were also synthesized for the first time, using Matsuda-Heck arylation and allylic/benzylic oxidation as key steps. The intermolecular interactions of 5-deoxy-3′-prenylbiochanin A (59) and its two closely related precursors 106a and 106b was investigated by single crystal and Hirshfeld surface analyses to comprehend their different physicochemical properties. The results indicate that the presence of strong intermolecular O-H···O hydrogen bonds and an increase in the number of π-stacking interactions increases the melting point and lowers the solubility of isoflavone derivatives. However, the strong intermolecular O-H···O hydrogen bonds have a greater effect than the π-stacking interactions. 5-Deoxy-3′-prenylbiochanin A (59), erysubin F (61) and 7,4′-dihydroxy-8,3′-diprenylflavone (129), were tested against three bacterial strains and one fungal pathogen. All the three compounds were inactive against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (NCTC 13349), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028), with MIC values greater than 80.0 μM. The diprenylated isoflavone erysubin F (61) and its flavone isomer 129 showed in vitro activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, ATCC 43300) at MIC values of 15.4 and 20.5 μM, respectively. 5-Deoxy-3′-prenylbiochanin A (59) was inactive against this MRSA strain. Erysubin F (61) and its flavone isomer 129 could serve as lead compounds for the development of new alternative drugs for the treatment of MRSA infections.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{MichalikOnichimowska2022, author = {Michalik-Onichimowska, Aleksandra}, title = {Real-time monitoring of (photo)chemical reactions in micro flow reactors and levitated droplets by IR-MALDI ion mobility and mass spectrometry}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-55729}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-557298}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {v, 68}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Eine nachhaltigere chemische Industrie erfordert eine Minimierung der L{\"o}sungsmittel und Chemikalien. Daher werden Optimierung und Entwicklung chemischer Prozesse vor einer Produktion in großem Maßstab in kleinen Chargen durchgef{\"u}hrt. Der entscheidende Schritt bei diesem Ansatz ist die Skalierbarkeit von kleinen Reaktionssystemen auf große, kosteneffiziente Reaktoren. Die Vergr{\"o}ßerung des Volumens des Reaktionsmediums geht immer mit der Vergr{\"o}ßerung der Oberfl{\"a}che einher, die mit dem begrenzenden Gef{\"a}ß in Kontakt steht. Da das Volumen kubisch, w{\"a}hrend die Oberfl{\"a}che quadratisch mit zunehmendem Radius skaliert, nimmt ihr Verh{\"a}ltnis nicht linear zu. Viele an der Grenzfl{\"a}che zwischen Oberfl{\"a}che und Fl{\"u}ssigkeit auftretende Ph{\"a}nomene k{\"o}nnen die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeiten und Ausbeuten beeinflussen, was zu falschen Prognosen aufgrund der kleinskaligen Optimierung f{\"u}hrt. Die Anwendung von schwebenden Tropfen als beh{\"a}lterlose Reaktionsgef{\"a}ße bietet eine vielversprechende M{\"o}glichkeit, die oben genannten Probleme zu vermeiden. In der vorgestellten Arbeit wurde eine effiziente Kopplung von akustisch schwebenden Tropfen und IM Spektrometer f{\"u}r die Echtzeit{\"u}berwachung chemischer Reaktionen entwickelt, bei denen akustisch schwebende Tropfen als Reaktionsgef{\"a}ße fungieren. Das Design des Systems umfasst die ber{\"u}hrungslose Probenahme und Ionisierung, die durch Laserdesorption und -ionisation bei 2,94 µm realisiert wird. Der Umfang der Arbeit umfasst grundlegende Studien zum Verst{\"a}ndnis der Laserbestrahlung von Tropfen im akustischen Feld. Das Verst{\"a}ndnis dieses Ph{\"a}nomens ist entscheidend, um den Effekt der zeitlichen und r{\"a}umlichen Aufl{\"o}sung der erzeugten Ionenwolke zu verstehen, die die Aufl{\"o}sung des Systems beeinflusst. Der Aufbau umfasst eine akustische Falle, Laserbestrahlung und elektrostatische Linsen, die bei hoher Spannung unter Umgebungsdruck arbeiten. Ein effektiver Ionentransfer im Grenzfl{\"a}chenbereich zwischen dem schwebenden Tropfen und dem IMS muss daher elektrostatische und akustische Felder vollst{\"a}ndig ber{\"u}cksichtigen. F{\"u}r die Probenahme und Ionisation wurden zwei unterschiedliche Laserpulsl{\"a}ngen untersucht, n{\"a}mlich im ns- und µs-Bereich. Die Bestrahlung {\"u}ber µs-Laserpulse bietet gegen{\"u}ber ns-Pulse mehrere Vorteile: i) das Tropfenvolumen wird nicht stark beeinflusst, was es erm{\"o}glichet, nur ein kleines Volumen des Tropfens abzutasten; ii) die geringere Fluenz f{\"u}hrt zu weniger ausgepr{\"a}gten Schwingungen des im akustischen Feld eingeschlossenen Tropfens und der Tropfen wird nicht aus dem akustischen Feld r{\"u}ckgeschlagen, was zum Verlust der Probe f{\"u}hren w{\"u}rde; iii) die milde Laserbestrahlung f{\"u}hrt zu einer besseren r{\"a}umlichen und zeitlichen Begrenzung der Ionenwolken, was zu einer besseren Aufl{\"o}sung der detektierten Ionenpakete f{\"u}hrt. Schließlich erm{\"o}glicht dieses Wissen die Anwendung der Ionenoptik, die erforderlich ist, um den Ionenfluss zwischen dem im akustischen Feld suspendierten Tropfen und dem IM Spektrometer zu induzieren. Die Ionenoptik aus 2 elektrostatischen Linsen in der N{\"a}he des Tropfens erm{\"o}glicht es, die Ionenwolke effektiv zu fokussieren und direkt zum IM Spektrometer-Eingang zu f{\"u}hren. Diese neuartige Kopplung hat sich beim Nachweis einiger basischer Molek{\"u}le als erfolgreich erwiesen. Um die Anwendbarkeit des Systems zu belegen, wurde die Reaktion zwischen N-Boc Cysteine Methylester und Allylalkohol in einem Chargenreaktor durchgef{\"u}hrt und online {\"u}berwacht. F{\"u}r eine Kalibrierung wurde der Reaktionsfortschritt parallel mittels 1H-NMR verfolgt. Der beobachtete Reaktionsumsatz von mehr als 50\% innerhalb der ersten 20 Minuten demonstrierte die Eignung der Reaktion, um die Einsatzpotentiale des entwickelten Systems zu bewerten.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Gaebert2022, author = {G{\"a}bert, Chris}, title = {Light-responsive polymer systems aiming towards programmable friction}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-55338}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-553380}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {XVI, 108, XXVI}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The development of novel programmable materials aiming to control friction in real-time holds potential to facilitate innovative lubrication solutions for reducing wear and energy losses. This work describes the integration of light-responsiveness into two lubricating materials, silicon oils and polymer brush surfaces. The first part focusses on the assessment on 9-anthracene ester-terminated polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS-A) and, in particular, on the variability of rheological properties and the implications that arise with UV-light as external trigger. The applied rheometer setup contains an UV-transparent quartz-plate, which enables radiation and simultaneous measurement of the dynamic moduli. UV-A radiation (354 nm) triggers the cycloaddition reaction between the terminal functionalities of linear PDMS, resulting in chain extension. The newly-formed anthracene dimers cleave by UV-C radiation (254 nm) or at elevated temperatures (T > 130 °C). The sequential UV-A radiation and thermal reprogramming over three cycles demonstrate high conversions and reproducible programming of rheological properties. In contrast, the photochemical back reaction by UV-C is incomplete and can only partially restore the initial rheological properties. The dynamic moduli increase with each cycle in photochemical programming, presumably resulting from a chain segment re-arrangement as a result of the repeated partial photocleavage and subsequent chain length-dependent dimerization. In addition, long periods of radiation cause photooxidative degradation, which damages photo-responsive functions and consequently reduces the programming range. The absence of oxygen, however, reduces undesired side reactions. Anthracene-functionalized PDMS and native PDMS mix depending on the anthracene ester content and chain length, respectively, and allow fine-tuning of programmable rheological properties. The work shows the influence of mixing conditions during the photoprogramming step on the rheological properties, indicating that material property gradients induced by light attenuation along the beam have to be considered. Accordingly, thin lubricant films are suggested as potential application for light-programmable silicon fluids. The second part compares strategies for the grafting of spiropyran (SP) containing copolymer brushes from Si wafers and evaluates the light-responsiveness of the surfaces. Pre-experiments on the kinetics of the thermally initiated RAFT copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and spiropyran acrylate (SPA) in solution show, first, a strong retardation by SP and, second, the dependence of SPA polymerization on light. Surprisingly, the copolymerization of SPA is inhibited in the dark. These findings contribute to improve the synthesis of polar, spiropyran-containing copolymers. The comparison between initiator systems for the grafting-from approach indicates PET-RAFT superior to thermally initiated RAFT, suggesting a more efficient initiation of surface-bound CTA by light. Surface-initiated polymerization via PET-RAFT with an initiator system of EosinY (EoY) and ascorbic acid (AscA) facilitates copolymer synthesis from HEA and 5-25 mol\% SPA. The resulting polymer film with a thickness of a few nanometers was detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and ellipsometry. Water contact angle (CA) measurements demonstrate photo-switchable surface polarity, which is attributed to the photoisomerization between non-polar spiropyran and zwitterionic merocyanine isomer. Furthermore, the obtained spiropyran brushes show potential for further studies on light-programmable properties. In this context, it would be interesting to investigate whether swollen spiropyran-containing polymers change their configuration and thus their film thickness under the influence of light. In addition, further experiments using an AFM or microtribometer should evaluate whether light-programmable solvation enables a change in frictional properties between polymer brush surfaces.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Neumann2022, author = {Neumann, Christian}, title = {Development of functionalized waterborne coatings for the production of multifunctional microapsules}, pages = {127}, year = {2022}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Flatken2022, author = {Flatken, Marion A.}, title = {The early stages of halide perovskites thin film formation}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-55259}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-552599}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {VI, 144}, year = {2022}, abstract = {As climate change worsens, there is a growing urgency to promote renewable energies and improve their accessibility to society. Here, solar energy harvesting is of particular importance. Currently, metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells are indispensable in future solar energy generation research. MHPs are crystalline semiconductors increasingly relevant as low-cost, high-performance materials for optoelectronics. Their processing from solution at low temperature enables easy fabrication of thin film elements, encompassing solar cells and light-emitting diodes or photodetectors. Understanding the coordination chemistry of MHPs in their precursor solution would allow control over the thin film crystallization, the material properties and the final device performance. In this work, we elaborate on the key parameters to manipulate the precursor solution with the long-term objective of enabling systematic process control. We focus on the nanostructural characterization of the initial arrangements of MHPs in the precursor solutions. Small-angle scattering is particularly well suited for measuring nanoparticles in solution. This technique proved to be valuable for the direct analyzes of perovskite precursor solutions in standard processing concentrations without causing radiation damage. We gain insights into the chemical nature of widely used precursor structures such as methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3), presenting first insights into the complex arrangements and interaction within this precursor state. Furthermore, we transfer the preceding results to other more complex perovskite precursors. The influence of compositional engineering is investigated using the addition of alkali cations as an example. As a result, we propose a detailed working mechanism on how the alkali cations suppress the formation of intermediate phases and improve the quality of the crystalline thin film. In addition, we investigate the crystallization process of a tin-based perovskite composition (FASnI3) under the influence of fluoride chemistry. We prove that the frequently used additive, tin fluoride (SnF2), selectively binds undesired oxidized tin (Sn(IV)) in the precursor solution. This prevents its incorporation into the actual crystal structure and thus reduces the defect density of the material. Furthermore, SnF2 leads to a more homogeneous crystal growth process, which results in improved crystal quality of the thin film material. In total, this study provides a detailed characterization of the complex system of perovskite precursor chemistry. We thereby cover relevant parameters for future MHP solar cell process control, such as (I) the environmental impact based on concentration and temperature (II) the addition of counter ions to reduce the diffuse layer surrounding the precursor nanostructures and (III) the targeted use of additives to eliminate unwanted components selectively and to ensure a more homogeneous crystal growth.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Bastian2022, author = {Bastian, Philipp U.}, title = {Core-shell upconversion nanoparticles - investigation of dopant intermixing and surface modification}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-55160}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-551607}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {XII, 108, xxiii}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Frequency upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are inorganic nanocrystals capable to up-convert incident photons of the near-infrared electromagnetic spectrum (NIR) into higher energy photons. These photons are re-emitted in the range of the visible (Vis) and even ultraviolet (UV) light. The frequency upconversion process (UC) is realized with nanocrystals doped with trivalent lanthanoid ions (Ln(III)). The Ln(III) ions provide the electronic (excited) states forming a ladder-like electronic structure for the Ln(III) electrons in the nanocrystals. The absorption of at least two low energy photons by the nanoparticle and the subsequent energy transfer to one Ln(III) ion leads to the promotion of one Ln(III) electron into higher excited electronic states. One high energy photon will be emitted during the radiative relaxation of the electron in the excited state back into the electronic ground state of the Ln(III) ion. The excited state electron is the result of the previous absorption of at least two low energy photons. The UC process is very interesting in the biological/medical context. Biological samples (like organic tissue, blood, urine, and stool) absorb high-energy photons (UV and blue light) more strongly than low-energy photons (red and NIR light). Thanks to a naturally occurring optical window, NIR light can penetrate deeper than UV light into biological samples. Hence, UCNPs in bio-samples can be excited by NIR light. This possibility opens a pathway for in vitro as well as in vivo applications, like optical imaging by cell labeling or staining of specific organic tissue. Furthermore, early detection and diagnosis of diseases by predictive and diagnostic biomarkers can be realized with bio-recognition elements being labeled to the UCNPs. Additionally, "theranostic" becomes possible, in which the identification and the treatment of a disease are tackled simultaneously. For this to succeed, certain parameters for the UCNPs must be met: high upconversion efficiency, high photoluminescence quantum yield, dispersibility, and dispersion stability in aqueous media, as well as availability of functional groups to introduce fast and easy bio-recognition elements. The UCNPs used in this work were prepared with a solvothermal decomposition synthesis yielding in particles with NaYF4 or NaGdF4 as host lattice. They have been doped with the Ln(III) ions Yb3+ and Er3+, which is only one possible upconversion pair. Their upconversion efficiency and photoluminescence quantum yield were improved by adding a passivating shell to reduce surface quenching. However, the brightness of core-shell UCNPs stays behind the expectations compared to their bulk material (being at least μm-sized particles). The core-shell structures are not clearly separated from each other, which is a topic in literature. Instead, there is a transition layer between the core and the shell structure, which relates to the migration of the dopants within the host lattice during the synthesis. The ion migration has been examined by time-resolved laser spectroscopy and the interlanthanoid resonance energy transfer (LRET) in the two different host lattices from above. The results are presented in two publications, which dealt with core-shell-shell structured nanoparticles. The core is doped with the LRET-acceptor (either Nd3+ or Pr3+). The intermediate shell serves as an insulation shell of pure host lattice material, whose shell thickness has been varied within one set of samples having the same composition, so that the spatial separation of LRET-acceptor and -donor changes. The outer shell with the same host lattice is doped with the LRET-donor (Eu3+). The effect of the increasing insulation shell thickness is significant, although the LRET cannot be suppressed completely. Next to the Ln(III) migration within a host lattice, various phase transfer reactions were investigated in order to subsequently perform surface modifications for bioapplications. One result out of this research has been published using a promising ligand, that equips the UCNP with bio-modifiable groups and has good potential for bio-medical applications. This particular ligand mimics natural occurring mechanisms of mussel protein adhesion and of blood coagulation, which is why the UCNPs are encapsulated very effectively. At the same time, bio-functional groups are introduced. In a proof-of-concept, the encapsulated UCNP has been coupled successfully with a dye (which is representative for a biomarker) and the system's photoluminescence properties have been investigated.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Luedecke2022, author = {L{\"u}decke, Nils}, title = {Bio-sourced adsorbing poly(2-oxazoline)s mimicking mussel glue proteins for antifouling applications}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-54983}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-549836}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {iii, 224}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Nature developed countless systems for many applications. In maritime environments, several organisms established extra-ordinary mechanisms to attach to surfaces. Over the past years, the scientific interest to employ those mechanisms for coatings and long-lasting adhering materials gained significant attention. This work describes the synthesis of bio-inspired adsorbing copoly(2-oxazoline)s for surface coatings with protein repelling effects, mimicking mussel glue proteins. From a set of methoxy substituted phenyl, benzyl, and cinnamyl acids, 2-oxazoline monomers were synthesized. All synthesized 2-oxazolines were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and EI mass spectrometry. With those newly synthesized 2-oxazoline monomers and 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline, kinetic studies concerning homo- and copolymerization in a microwave reactor were conducted. The success of the polymerization reactions was demonstrated by FT-IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The copolymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline with a selection of methoxy-substituted 2-oxazolines resulted in water-soluble copolymers. To release the adsorbing catechol and cationic units, the copoly(2-oxazoline)s were modified. The catechol units were (partially) released by a methyl aryl ether cleavage reaction. A subsequent partial acidic hydrolysis of the ethyl unit resulted in mussel glue protein-inspired catechol and cation-containing copolymers. The modified copolymers were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and SEC. The catechol- and cation-containing copolymers and their precursors were examined by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D), so study the adsorption performance on gold, borosilicate, iron, and polystyrene surfaces. An exemplary study revealed that a catechol and cation-containing copoly(2-oxazoline)-coated gold surface exhibits strong protein repelling properties.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Zhao2021, author = {Zhao, Yuhang}, title = {Synthesis and surface functionalization on plasmonic nanoparticles for optical applications}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {VIII, 149}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This thesis focuses on the synthesis of novel functional materials based on plasmonic nanoparticles. Three systems with targeted surface modification and functionalization have been designed and synthesized, involving modified perylenediimide doped silica-coated silver nanowires, polydopamine or TiO2 coated gold-palladium nanorods and thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-SH)/dodecanethiol (DDT) modified silver nanospheres. Their possible applications as plasmonic resonators, chiral sensors as well as photo-catalysts have been studied. In addition, the interaction between silver nanospheres and 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) molecules has also been investigated in detail. In the first part of the thesis, surface modification on Ag nanowires (NWs) with optimized silica coating through a modified St{\"o}ber method has been firstly conducted, employing sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to replace ammonia solution (NH4OH). The coated silver nanowires with a smooth silica shell have been investigated by single-particle dark-field scattering spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron-energy loss spectroscopy to characterize the morphologies and structural components. The silica-coated silver nanowires can be further functionalized with fluorescent molecules in the silica shell via a facile one-step coating method. The as-synthesized nanowire is further coupled with a gold nanosphere by spin-coating for the application of the sub-diffractional chiral sensor for the first time. The exciton-plasmon-photon interconversion in the system eases the signal detection in the perfectly matched 1D nanostructure and contributes to the high contrast of the subwavelength chiral sensing for the polarized light. In the second part of the thesis, dumbbell-shaped Au-Pd nanorods coated with a layer of polydopamine (PDA) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been constructed. The PDA- and TiO2- coated Au-Pd nanorods show a strong photothermal conversion performance under NIR illumination. Moreover, the catalytic performance of the particles has been investigated using the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as the model reaction. Under light irradiation, the PDA-coated Au-Pd nanorods exhibit a superior catalytic activity by increasing the reaction rate constant of 3 times. The Arrhenius-like behavior of the reaction with similar activation energies in the presence and absence of light irradiation indicates the photoheating effect to be the dominant mechanism of the reaction acceleration. Thus, we attribute the enhanced performance of the catalysis to the strong photothermal effect that is driven by the optical excitation of the gold surface plasmon as well as the synergy with the PDA layer. In the third part, the kinetic study on the adsorption of 2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquino-dimethane (F4TCNQ) on the surface of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in chloroform has been reported in detail. Based on the results obtained from the UV-vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), scanning nano-beam electron diffraction (NBED) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), a two-step interaction kinetics has been proposed for the Ag NPs and F4TCNQ molecules. It includes the first step of electron transfer from Ag NPs to F4TCNQ indicated by the ionization of F4TCNQ, and the second step of the formation of Ag-F4TCNQ complex. The whole process has been followed via UV-vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, which reveals distinct kinetics at two stages: the instantaneous ionization and the long-term complex formation. The kinetics and the influence of the molar ratio of Ag NPs/F4TCNQ molecules on the interaction between Ag NPs and F4TCNQ molecules in the organic solution are reported herein for the first time. Furthermore, the control experiment with silica-coated Ag NPs indicates that the charge transfer at the surface between Ag NPs and F4TCNQ molecules has been prohibited by a silica layer of 18 nm.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{MathieuGaedke2021, author = {Mathieu-Gaedke, Maria}, title = {Grafting-to and grafting-from proteins - synthesis and characterization of protein-polymer conjugates on the way to biohybrid membrane materials}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-54292}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-542921}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {XVIII, 149}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The incorporation of proteins in artificial materials such as membranes offers great opportunities to avail oneself the miscellaneous qualities of proteins and enzymes perfected by nature over millions of years. One possibility to leverage proteins is the modification with artificial polymers. To obtain such protein-polymer conjugates, either a polymer can be grown from the protein surface (grafting-from) or a pre-synthesized polymer attached to the protein (grafting-to). Both techniques were used to synthesize conjugates of different proteins with thermo-responsive polymers in this thesis. First, conjugates were analyzed by protein NMR spectroscopy. Typical characterization techniques for conjugates can verify the successful conjugation and give hints on the secondary structure of the protein. However, the 3-dimensional structure, being highly important for the protein function, cannot be probed by standard techniques. NMR spectroscopy is a unique method allowing to follow even small alterations in the protein structure. A mutant of the carbohydrate binding module 3b (CBM3bN126W) was used as model protein and functionalized with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Analysis of conjugates prepared by grafting-to or grafting-from revealed a strong impact of conjugation type on protein folding. Whereas conjugates prepared by grafting a pre-formed polymer to the protein resulted in complete preservation of protein folding, grafting the polymer from the protein surface led to (partial) disruption of the protein structure. Next, conjugates of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as cheap and easily accessible protein were synthesized with PNIPAm and different oligoethylene glycol (meth)acrylates. The obtained protein-polymer conjugates were analyzed by an in-line combination of size exclusion chromatography and multi-angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALS). This technique is particular advantageous to determine molar masses, as no external calibration of the system is needed. Different SEC column materials and operation conditions were tested to evaluate the applicability of this system to determine absolute molar masses and hydrodynamic properties of heterogeneous conjugates prepared by grafting-from and grafting-to. Hydrophobic and non-covalent interactions of conjugates lead to error-prone values not in accordance to expected molar masses based on conversions and extents of modifications. As alternative to this method, conjugates were analyzed by sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) to gain insights in the hydrodynamic properties and how they change after conjugation. Within a centrifugal field, a sample moves and fractionates according to the mass, density, and shape of its individual components. Conjugates of BSA with PNIPAm were analyzed below and above the cloud point temperature of the thermo-responsive polymer component. It was identified that the polymer characteristics were transferred to the conjugate molecule which than showed a decreased ideality - defined as increased deviation from a perfect sphere model - below and increased ideality above the cloud point temperature. This effect can be attributed to an arrangement of the polymer chain pointing towards the solvent (expanded state) or snuggling around the protein surface depending on the applied temperature. The last project dealt with the synthesis of ferric hydroxamate uptake protein component A (FhuA)-polymer conjugates as building blocks for novel membrane materials. The shape of FhuA can be described as barrel and removal of a cork domain inside the protein results in a passive channel aimed to be utilized as pores in the membrane system. The polymer matrix surrounding the membrane protein is composed of a thermo-responsive and a UV-crosslinkable part. Therefore, an external trigger for covalent immobilization of these building blocks in the membrane and switchability of the membrane between different states was incorporated. The overall performance of membranes prepared by a drying-mediated self-assembly approach was evaluated by permeability and size exclusion experiments. The obtained membranes displayed an insufficiency in interchain crosslinking and therefore a lack in performance. Furthermore, the aimed switch between a hydrophilic and hydrophobic state of the polymer matrix did not occur. Correspondingly, size exclusion experiments did not result in a retention of analytes larger than the pores defined by the dimension of the used FhuA variant. Overall, different paths to generate protein-polymer conjugates by either grafting-from or grafting-to the protein surface were presented paving the way to the generation of new hybrid materials. Different analytical methods were utilized to describe the folding and hydrodynamic properties of conjugates providing a deeper insight in the overall characteristics of these seminal building blocks.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Yan2021, author = {Yan, Wan}, title = {Shape-Memory effects of thermoplatic multiblock copolymers with overlapping thermal transitions}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Saretia2021, author = {Saretia, Shivam}, title = {Modulating ultrathin films of semi-crystalline oligomers by Langmuir technique}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-54210}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-542108}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {XIII, 109}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Polymeric films and coatings derived from semi-crystalline oligomers are of relevance for medical and pharmaceutical applications. In this context, the material surface is of particular importance, as it mediates the interaction with the biological system. Two dimensional (2D) systems and ultrathin films are used to model this interface. However, conventional techniques for their preparation, such as spin coating or dip coating, have disadvantages, since the morphology and chain packing of the generated films can only be controlled to a limited extent and adsorption on the substrate used affects the behavior of the films. Detaching and transferring the films prepared by such techniques requires additional sacrificial or supporting layers, and free-standing or self supporting domains are usually of very limited lateral extension. The aim of this thesis is to study and modulate crystallization, melting, degradation and chemical reactions in ultrathin films of oligo(ε-caprolactone)s (OCL)s with different end-groups under ambient conditions. Here, oligomeric ultrathin films are assembled at the air-water interface using the Langmuir technique. The water surface allows lateral movement and aggregation of the oligomers, which, unlike solid substrates, enables dynamic physical and chemical interaction of the molecules. Parameters like surface pressure (π), temperature and mean molecular area (MMA) allow controlled assembly and manipulation of oligomer molecules when using the Langmuir technique. The π-MMA isotherms, Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), and interfacial infrared spectroscopy assist in detecting morphological and physicochemical changes in the film. Ultrathin films can be easily transferred to the solid silicon surface via Langmuir Schaefer (LS) method (horizontal substrate dipping). Here, the films transferred on silicon are investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy and are compared to the films on the water surface. The semi-crystalline morphology (lamellar thicknesses, crystal number densities, and lateral crystal dimensions) is tuned by the chemical structure of the OCL end-groups (hydroxy or methacrylate) and by the crystallization temperature (Tc; 12 or 21 °C) or MMAs. Compression to lower MMA of ~2 {\AA}2, results in the formation of a highly crystalline film, which consists of tightly packed single crystals. Preparation of tightly packed single crystals on a cm2 scale is not possible by conventional techniques. Upon transfer to a solid surface, these films retain their crystalline morphology whereas amorphous films undergo dewetting. The melting temperature (Tm) of OCL single crystals at the water and the solid surface is found proportional to the inverse crystal thickness and is generally lower than the Tm of bulk PCL. The impact of OCL end-groups on melting behavior is most noticeable at the air-solid interface, where the methacrylate end-capped OCL (OCDME) melted at lower temperatures than the hydroxy end-capped OCL (OCDOL). When comparing the underlying substrate, melting/recrystallization of OCL ultrathin films is possible at lower temperatures at the air water interface than at the air-solid interface, where recrystallization is not visible. Recrystallization at the air-water interface usually occurs at a higher temperature than the initial Tc. Controlled degradation is crucial for the predictable performance of degradable polymeric biomaterials. Degradation of ultrathin films is carried out under acidic (pH ~ 1) or enzymatic catalysis (lipase from Pseudomonas cepcia) on the water surface or on a silicon surface as transferred films. A high crystallinity strongly reduces the hydrolytic but not the enzymatic degradation rate. As an influence of end-groups, the methacrylate end-capped linear oligomer, OCDME (~85 ± 2 \% end-group functionalization) hydrolytically degrades faster than the hydroxy end capped linear oligomer, OCDOL (~95 ± 3 \% end-group functionalization) at different temperatures. Differences in the acceleration of hydrolytic degradation of semi-crystalline films were observed upon complete melting, partial melting of the crystals, or by heating to temperatures close to Tm. Therefore, films of densely packed single crystals are suitable as barrier layers with thermally switchable degradation rates. Chemical modification in ultrathin films is an intricate process applicable to connect functionalized molecules, impart stability or create stimuli-sensitive cross-links. The reaction of end-groups is explored for transferred single crystals on a solid surface or amorphous monolayer at the air-water interface. Bulky methacrylate end-groups are expelled to the crystal surface during chain-folded crystallization. The density of end-groups is inversely proportional to molecular weight and hence very pronounced for oligomers. The methacrylate end-groups at the crystal surface, which are present at high concentration, can be used for further chemical functionalization. This is demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy after reaction with fluorescein dimethacrylate. The thermoswitching behavior (melting and recrystallization) of fluorescein functionalized single crystals shows the temperature-dependent distribution of the chemically linked fluorescein moieties, which are accumulated on the surfaces of crystals, and homogeneously dispersed when the crystals are molten. In amorphous monolayers at the air-water interface, reversible cross-linking of hydroxy-terminated oligo(ε-caprolactone) monolayers using dialdehyde (glyoxal) lead to the formation of 2D networks. Pronounced contraction in the area occurred for 2D OCL films in dependence of surface pressure and time indicating the reaction progress. Cross linking inhibited crystallization and retarded enzymatic degradation of the OCL film. Altering the subphase pH to ~2 led to cleavage of the covalent acetal cross-links. Besides as model systems, these reversibly cross-linked films are applicable for drug delivery systems or cell substrates modulating adhesion at biointerfaces.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schutjajew2021, author = {Schutjajew, Konstantin}, title = {Electrochemical sodium storage in non-graphitizing carbons - insights into mechanisms and synthetic approaches towards high-energy density materials}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-54189}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-541894}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {v, 148}, year = {2021}, abstract = {To achieve a sustainable energy economy, it is necessary to turn back on the combustion of fossil fuels as a means of energy production and switch to renewable sources. However, their temporal availability does not match societal consumption needs, meaning that renewably generated energy must be stored in its main generation times and allocated during peak consumption periods. Electrochemical energy storage (EES) in general is well suited due to its infrastructural independence and scalability. The lithium ion battery (LIB) takes a special place, among EES systems due to its energy density and efficiency, but the scarcity and uneven geological occurrence of minerals and ores vital for many cell components, and hence the high and fluctuating costs will decelerate its further distribution. The sodium ion battery (SIB) is a promising successor to LIB technology, as the fundamental setup and cell chemistry is similar in the two systems. Yet, the most widespread negative electrode material in LIBs, graphite, cannot be used in SIBs, as it cannot store sufficient amounts of sodium at reasonable potentials. Hence, another carbon allotrope, non-graphitizing or hard carbon (HC) is used in SIBs. This material consists of turbostratically disordered, curved graphene layers, forming regions of graphitic stacking and zones of deviating layers, so-called internal or closed pores. The structural features of HC have a substantial impact of the charge-potential curve exhibited by the carbon when it is used as the negative electrode in an SIB. At defects and edges an adsorption-like mechanism of sodium storage is prevalent, causing a sloping voltage curve, ill-suited for the practical application in SIBs, whereas a constant voltage plateau of relatively high capacities is found immediately after the sloping region, which recent research attributed to the deposition of quasimetallic sodium into the closed pores of HC. Literature on the general mechanism of sodium storage in HCs and especially the role of the closed pore is abundant, but the influence of the pore geometry and chemical nature of the HC on the low-potential sodium deposition is yet in an early stage. Therefore, the scope of this thesis is to investigate these relationships using suitable synthetic and characterization methods. Materials of precisely known morphology, porosity, and chemical structure are prepared in clear distinction to commonly obtained ones and their impact on the sodium storage characteristics is observed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in combination with distribution of relaxation times analysis is further established as a technique to study the sodium storage process, in addition to classical direct current techniques, and an equivalent circuit model is proposed to qualitatively describe the HC sodiation mechanism, based on the recorded data. The obtained knowledge is used to develop a method for the preparation of closed porous and non-porous materials from open porous ones, proving not only the necessity of closed pores for efficient sodium storage, but also providing a method for effective pore closure and hence the increase of the sodium storage capacity and efficiency of carbon materials. The insights obtained and methods developed within this work hence not only contribute to the better understanding of the sodium storage mechanism in carbon materials of SIBs, but can also serve as guidance for the design of efficient electrode materials.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Mazzanti2022, author = {Mazzanti, Stefano}, title = {Novel photocatalytic processes mediated by carbon nitride photocatalysis}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-54209}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-542099}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {418}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The key to reduce the energy required for specific transformations in a selective manner is the employment of a catalyst, a very small molecular platform that decides which type of energy to use. The field of photocatalysis exploits light energy to shape one type of molecules into others, more valuable and useful. However, many challenges arise in this field, for example, catalysts employed usually are based on metal derivatives, which abundance is limited, they cannot be recycled and are expensive. Therefore, carbon nitrides materials are used in this work to expand horizons in the field of photocatalysis. Carbon nitrides are organic materials, which can act as recyclable, cheap, non-toxic, heterogeneous photocatalysts. In this thesis, they have been exploited for the development of new catalytic methods, and shaped to develop new types of processes. Indeed, they enabled the creation of a new photocatalytic synthetic strategy, the dichloromethylation of enones by dichloromethyl radical generated in situ from chloroform, a novel route for the making of building blocks to be used for the productions of active pharmaceutical compounds. Then, the ductility of these materials allowed to shape carbon nitride into coating for lab vials, EPR capillaries, and a cell of a flow reactor showing the great potential of such flexible technology in photocatalysis. Afterwards, their ability to store charges has been exploited in the reduction of organic substrates under dark conditions, gaining new insights regarding multisite proton coupled electron transfer processes. Furthermore, the combination of carbon nitrides with flavins allowed the development of composite materials with improved photocatalytic activity in the CO2 photoreduction. Concluding, carbon nitrides are a versatile class of photoactive materials, which may help to unveil further scientific discoveries and to develop a more sustainable future.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Hechenbichler2021, author = {Hechenbichler, Michelle}, title = {New thermoresponsive amphiphilic block copolymers with unconventional chemical structure and architecture}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-54182}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-541822}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {XIX, 186}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Das Aggregationsverhalten von amphiphilen Blockcpoolymeren ist wichtig f{\"u}r zahlreiche Anwendungen, beispielsweise in der Waschmittelindustrie als Verdicker oder in der Pharmazie zur kontrollierten Freisetzung von Wirkstoffen. Wenn einer der Bl{\"o}cke thermoresponsiv ist, kann das Aggregationsverhalten zus{\"a}tzlich {\"u}ber die Temperatur gesteuert werden. W{\"a}hrend sich die bisherigen Untersuchungen solcher „intelligenten" Systeme zumeist auf einfache Diblockcopolymere beschr{\"a}nkt haben, wurde in der vorliegenden Arbeit die Komplexit{\"a}t der Polymere und damit die Vielseitigkeit dieser Systeme erh{\"o}ht. Dazu wurden spezifische Monomere, verschiedene Blockl{\"a}ngen, unterschiedliche Architekturen und zus{\"a}tzliche funktionelle Gruppen eingef{\"u}hrt. Durch systematische {\"A}nderungen wurde das Struktur-Wirkungsverhalten solcher thermoresponsiver amphiphiler Blockcopolymere untersucht. Dabei sind die Blockcopolymere typischerweise aus einem permanent hydrophoben „Sticker", einem permanent hydrophilen Block sowie einem thermoresponsiven Block, der ein Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) Verhalten zeigt, aufgebaut. W{\"a}hrend der permanent hydrophile Block aus N,N Dimethylacrylamid (DMAm) bestand, wurden f{\"u}r den thermoresponsiven Block unterschiedliche Monomere, n{\"a}mlich N n Propylacrylamid (NPAm), N iso Propylacrylamid (NiPAm), N,N Diethylacrylamid (DEAm), N,N Bis(2 methoxyethyl)acrylamid (bMOEAm), oder N Acryloylpyrrolidin (NAP) mit entsprechend unterschiedlichen LCSTs von 25, 32, 33, 42 und 56 °C verwendet. Die Blockcopolymere wurden mittels aufeinanderfolgender reversibler Additions-Fragmentierungs-Ketten{\"u}bertragungspolymerisation (RAFT Polymerisation) hergestellt, um Polymere mit linearer, doppelt hydrophober sowie symmetrischer Quasi Miktoarm Architektur zu erhalten. Dabei wurden wohldefinierte Blockgr{\"o}ßen, Endgruppen und enge Molmassenverteilungen (Ɖ ≤ 1.3) erzielt. F{\"u}r komplexere Architekturen, wie die doppelt thermoresponsive und die nicht symmetrische Quasi Miktoarm Architekturen, wurde RAFT mit Atomtransfer-Radikalpolymerisation (ATRP) oder Single Unit Monomer Insertion (SUMI), kombiniert. Die dabei erhaltenen Blockcopolymere hatten ebenfalls wohldefinierte Blockl{\"a}ngen, allerdings war die Molmassenverteilung generell breiter (Ɖ ≤ 1.8) und Endgruppen gingen zum Teil verloren, da komplexere Syntheseschritte n{\"o}tig waren. Das thermoresponsive Verhalten in w{\"a}ssriger L{\"o}sung wurde mittels Tr{\"u}bungspunktmessung und Dynamischer Lichtstreuung (DLS) untersucht. Unterhalb der Phasen{\"u}berganstemperatur waren die Polymere l{\"o}slich in Wasser und mizellare Strukturen waren in der DLS sichtbar. Oberhalb der Phasen{\"u}bergangstemperatur war das Aggregationsverhalten dann stark abh{\"a}ngig von der Architektur und der chemischen Struktur des thermoresponsiven Blocks. Thermoresponsive Bl{\"o}cke aus PNAP und PbMOEAm mit einer Blockl{\"a}nge von DPn = 40 zeigten keinen Tr{\"u}bungspunkt (CP) bis hin zu 80 °C, da durch den angebrachten hydrophilen PDMAm Block die bereits hohe LCST der entsprechenden Homopolymere bei den Blockcopolymeren weiter erh{\"o}ht wurde. Blockcopolymere mit PNiPAm, PDEAm und PNPAm hinggeen zeigten abh{\"a}ngig von der Architektur und Blockgr{\"o}ße unterschiedliche CP's. Oberhalb der CP's waren gr{\"o}ßere Aggregate vor allem f{\"u}r die Blockcopolymere mit PNiPAm und PDEAm sichtbar, wohingegen der Phasen{\"u}bergang f{\"u}r Blockcopolymere mit PNPAm stark abh{\"a}ngig von der jeweiligen Architektur war und entsprechend kleinere oder gr{\"o}ßere Aggregate zeigte. Um das Aggregationsverhalten besser zu verstehen, wurden Fluoreszenzstudien an PDMAm und PNiPAm Homo und Blockcopolymeren mit linearer Architektur durchgef{\"u}hrt, welche mit komplement{\"a}ren Fluoreszenzfarbstoffen an den entgegengesetzten Kettenenden funktionalisiert wurden. Das thermoresponsive Verhalten wurde dabei sowohl in Wasser als auch in {\"O}l-in-Wasser Mikroemulsion untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass das Blockcopolymer sich, {\"a}hnlich wie die anderen hergestellten Architekturen, bei niedrigen Temperaturen wie ein Polymertensid verh{\"a}lt. Dabei bilden die hydrophoben Stickergruppen den Kern und die hydrophilen Arme die Corona der Mizelle. Oberhalb des Phasen{\"u}bergangs des PNiPAm Blocks verhielten sich die Blockcopolymere allerdings wie assoziative Telechele mit zwei nicht symmetrischen hydrophoben Endgruppen, die sich untereinander nicht mischten. Daher bildeten die Blockcopolymere anstatt aggregierter „Blumen"-Mizellen gr{\"o}ßere, dynamische Aggregate. Diese sind einerseits {\"u}ber die urspr{\"u}nglichen Mizellkerne bestehend aus den hydrophoben Sticker als auch {\"u}ber Cluster der kollabierten thermoresponsiven Bl{\"o}cke miteinander verkn{\"u}pft. In Mikroemulsion ist diese Art der Netzwerkbildung noch st{\"a}rker ausgepr{\"a}gt.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Lood2021, author = {Lood, Kajsa}, title = {Stereoselective Construction of C-C Double Bonds via Olefin Metathesis: From Tethered Reactions to Water-Soluble Catalysts for Stereoretentive Metathesis}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-53914}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-539142}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {95}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Natural products have proved to be a major resource in the discovery and development of many pharmaceuticals that are in use today. There is a wide variety of biologically active natural products that contain conjugated polyenes or benzofuran structures. Therefore, new synthetic methods for the construction of such building blocks are of great interest to synthetic chemists. The recently developed one-pot tethered ring-closing metathesis approach allows for the formation of Z,E-dienoates in high stereoselectivity. The extension of this method with a Julia-Kocienski olefination protocol would allow for the formation of conjugated trienes in a stereoselective manner. This strategy was applied in the total synthesis of conjugated triene containing (+)-bretonin B. Additionally, investigations of cross metathesis using methyl substituted olefins were pursued. This methodology was applied, as a one-pot cross metathesis/ring-closing metathesis sequence, in the total synthesis of benzofuran containing 7-methoxywutaifuranal. Finally, the design and synthesis of a catalyst for stereoretentive metathesis in aqueous media was investigated.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Heyne2022, author = {Heyne, Benjamin}, title = {Design and Synthesis of Highly Efficient InPZnS/ZnSe/ZnS Multishell Quantum Dots and Phase Transfer via Ligand Exchange}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {102,LII}, year = {2022}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Nie2022, author = {Nie, Yan}, title = {Modulating keratinocyte and induced pluripotent stem cell behavior by microenvironment design or temperature control}, pages = {xiv, 100}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Under the in vivo condition, a cell is continually interacting with its surrounding microenvironment, which is composed of its neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). These components generate and transmit the microenvironmental signals to regulate the fate and function of the target cells. Except the signals from the microenvironment, stimuli from the ambient environment, such as temperature changes, also play an important in modulating the cell behaviors, which are considered as regulators from the macroenvironment. In this regard, recapitulation of these environmental factors to steer cell function will be of crucial importance for therapeutic purposes and tissue regeneration. Although the role of a variety of environmental factors has been evaluated, it is still challenging to identify and provide the appropriate factors, which are required for optimizing the survival of cells and for ensuring effective cell functions. Thus, in vitro recreating the environmental factors that are present in the extracellular environment would help to understand the mechanism of how cells sense and process those environmental signals. In this context, this thesis is aimed to harness these environmental parameters to guide cell responses. Here, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human keratinocytes (KTCs), HaCaT cells, were used to investigate the impact of signals from the microenvironment or stimuli from the macroenvironment. Firstly, polydopamine (PDA) or chitosan (CS) modifications were applied to generate different substrate surfaces for hiPSCs and KTCs (Chapter 4 to Chapter 6). Our results showed that the PDA modification was efficient to increase the cell-substrate adhesion and consequently promoted cell spreading. While CS modification was able to decrease the cell-substrate adhesion and enhance the cell-cell interaction, which enabled the morphology shift from monolayered cells to multicellular spheroids. The quantitative result was acquired using the atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single-cell force spectroscopy. The balance between the cell-substrate and cell-cell adhesion yielded a net force, which determined the preference of the cell to adhere to its neighboring cells or to the substrate. The difference in the adhesive behaviors further affected the cellular function, such as the proliferation and differentiation potential of both hiPSCs and HaCaT cells. Next, the cyclic temperature changes (ΔT) were selected here to study the influence of macroenvironmental stimuli on hiPSCs and KTCs (Chapter 7 and Chapter 8). The macroenvironmental temperature ranging from 10.0 ± 0.1 °C to 37.0 ± 0.1 °C was achieved using a thermal chamber equipped with a temperature controller. This temperature range was selected to explore the responses of hiPSCs to the extreme environments, while a temperature variation between 25.0 ± 0.1 °C and 37.0 ± 0.1 °C was applied to mimic the ambient temperature variations experienced by the skin epithelial KTCs. The ΔT led to cell stiffening in both hiPSCs and HaCaT cells in a cytoskeleton-dependent manner, which was measured by AFM. Specifically, in hiPSCs, the cell stiffening was resulted from the rearrangement of the actin skeleton; in HaCaT cells, was due to the difference of the Keratin (KRT) filaments. Except for inducing cell hardening, ΔT also caused differences in the protein expression profiles in hiPSCs or HaCaT cells, compared to those without ΔT treatment, which might be attributed to the alterations in their cytoskeleton structures. To sum up, the results of the thesis demonstrated how individual factors from the micro-/macro-environment can be harnessed to modulate the behaviors of hiPSCs and HaCaT cells. Engineering the microenvironmental cues using surface modification and exploiting the macroenvironmental stimuli through temperature control were identified as precise and potent approaches to steer hiPSC and HaCaT cell behaviors. The application of AFM served as a non-invasive and real-time monitoring platform to trace the change in cell topography and mechanics induced by the environmental signals, which provide novel insights into the cell-environment interactions.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Youk2022, author = {Youk, Sol}, title = {Molecular design of heteroatom-doped nanoporous carbons with controlled porosity and surface polarity for gas physisorption and energy storage}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-53909}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-539098}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {145}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The world energy consumption has constantly increased every year due to economic development and population growth. This inevitably caused vast amount of CO2 emission, and the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere keeps increasing with economic growth. To reduce CO2 emission, various methods have been developed but there are still many bottlenecks to be solved. Solvents easily absorbing CO2 such as monoethanol-amine (MEA) and diethanolamine, for example, have limitations of solvent loss, amine degradation, vulnerability to heat and toxicity, and the high cost of regeneration which is especially caused due to chemisorption process. Though some of these drawbacks can be compensated through physisorption with zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by displaying significant adsorption selectivity and capacity even in ambient conditions, limitations for these materials still exist. Zeolites demand relatively high regeneration energy and have limited adsorption kinetics due to the exceptionally narrow pore structure. MOFs have low stability against heat and moisture and high manufacturing cost. Nanoporous carbons have recently received attention as an attractive functional porous material due to their unique properties. These materials are crucial in many applications of modern science and industry such as water and air purification, catalysis, gas separation, and energy storage/conversion due to their high chemical and thermal stability, and in particular electronic conductivity in combination with high specific surface areas. Nanoporous carbons can be used to adsorb environmental pollutants or small gas molecules such as CO2 and to power electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries and fuel cells. In all fields, their pore structure or electrical properties can be modified depending on their purposes. This thesis provides an in-depth look at novel nanoporous carbons from the synthetic and the application point of view. The interplay between pore structure, atomic construction, and the adsorption properties of nanoporous carbon materials are investigated. Novel nanoporous carbon materials are synthesized by using simple precursor molecules containing heteroatoms through a facile templating method. The affinity, and in turn the adsorption capacity, of carbon materials toward polar gas molecules (CO2 and H2O) is enhanced by the modification of their chemical construction. It is also shown that these properties are important in electrochemical energy storage, here especially for supercapacitors with aqueous electrolytes which are basically based on the physisorption of ions on carbon surfaces. This shows that nanoporous carbons can be a "functional" material with specific physical or chemical interactions with guest species just like zeolites and MOFs. The synthesis of sp2-conjugated materials with high heteroatom content from a mixture of citrazinic acid and melamine in which heteroatoms are already bonded in specific motives is illustrated. By controlling the removal procedure of the salt-template and the condensation temperature, the role of salts in the formation of porosity and as coordination sites for the stabilization of heteroatoms is proven. A high amount of nitrogen of up to 20 wt. \%, oxygen contents of up to 19 wt.\%, and a high CO2/N2 selectivity with maximum CO2 uptake at 273 K of 5.31 mmol g-1 are achieved. Besides, the further controlled thermal condensation of precursor molecules and advanced functional properties on applications of the synthesized porous carbons are described. The materials have different porosity and atomic construction exhibiting a high nitrogen content up to 25 wt. \% as well as a high porosity with a specific surface area of more than 1800 m2 g-1, and a high performance in selective CO2 gas adsorption of 62.7. These pore structure as well as properties of surface affect to water adsorption with a remarkably high Qst of over 100 kJ mol-1 even higher than that of zeolites or CaCl2 well known as adsorbents. In addition to that, the pore structure of HAT-CN-derived carbon materials during condensation in vacuum is fundamentally understood which is essential to maximize the utilization of porous system in materials showing significant difference in their pore volume of 0.5 cm3 g-1 and 0.25 cm3 g-1 without and with vacuum, respectively. The molecular designs of heteroatom containing porous carbon derived from abundant and simple molecules are introduced in the presented thesis. Abundant precursors that already containing high amount of nitrogen or oxygen are beneficial to achieve enhanced interaction with adsorptives. The physical and chemical properties of these heteroatom-doped porous carbons are affected by mainly two parameters, that is, the porosity from the pore structure and the polarity from the atomic composition on the surface. In other words, controlling the porosity as well as the polarity of the carbon materials is studied to understand interactions with different guest species which is a fundamental knowledge for the utilization on various applications.}, language = {en} }