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Mimic of Protein: A Highly pH‐Sensitive and Thermoresponsive Polyampholyte
Author(s) -
Xia Yuqiong,
Gao Min,
Chen Ye,
Jia Xinru,
Liang Dehai
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.201100352
Subject(s) - isoelectric point , copolymer , polymer chemistry , chemistry , cloud point , poly(amidoamine) , maleic anhydride , styrene , amidoamine , chemical engineering , polymer , dendrimer , organic chemistry , aqueous solution , engineering , enzyme
Abstract As a mimic of protein, a polyampholyte‐based material should be able to duplicate the properties and functions of protein. A polyampholyte that is highly sensitive to both pH and temperature under physiological conditions is obtained when 80% butylamide‐terminated poly(amidoamine) dentron is grafted to the backbone of styrene and maleic anhydride. The phase separation occurs at 33.7 °C at pH = 6.20, while the transition point increases to 43.9 °C at pH = 6.30. The superior performance is the consequence of the cooperative interactions among basic, acidic, and thermoresponsive groups. The polyampholyte with a suitable isoelectric point provides a platform for the development of multifunctional materials for biomedical applications.