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Reversible Control of Nanoparticle Functionalization and Physicochemical Properties by Dynamic Covalent Exchange
Author(s) -
della Sala Flavio,
Kay Euan R.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201409602
Subject(s) - covalent bond , dynamic covalent chemistry , nanoparticle , surface modification , chemistry , non covalent interactions , nanotechnology , combinatorial chemistry , molecule , materials science , organic chemistry , supramolecular chemistry , hydrogen bond
Existing methods for the covalent functionalization of nanoparticles rely on kinetically controlled reactions, and largely lack the sophistication of the preeminent oligonucleotide‐based noncovalent strategies. Here we report the application of dynamic covalent chemistry for the reversible modification of nanoparticle (NP) surface functionality, combining the benefits of non‐biomolecular covalent chemistry with the favorable features of equilibrium processes. A homogeneous monolayer of nanoparticle‐bound hydrazones can undergo quantitative dynamic covalent exchange. The pseudomolecular nature of the NP system allows for the in situ characterization of surface‐bound species, and real‐time tracking of the exchange reactions. Furthermore, dynamic covalent exchange offers a simple approach for reversibly switching—and subtly tuning—NP properties such as solvophilicity.