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Tannic Acid‐Inspired Star‐Like Macromolecules via Temporally Controlled Multi‐Step Potential Electrolysis
Author(s) -
Zaborniak Izabela,
Chmielarz Paweł,
Wolski Karol,
Grzes´ Gabriela,
Isse Abdirisak A.,
Gennaro Armando,
Zapotoczny Szczepan,
Sobkowiak Andrzej
Publication year - 2019
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.201900073
Subject(s) - polymer chemistry , tannic acid , polymer , chemistry , side chain , macromolecule , acrylate , cyclic voltammetry , copolymer , materials science , chemical engineering , electrochemistry , organic chemistry , biochemistry , electrode , engineering
Inspired by tea stains, a plant polyphenolic‐based macroinitiator is prepared for the first time by partial modification of tannic acid (TA) with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. In accordance with the “grafting from” methodology, a naturally occurring star‐like polymer with a polar gallotannin core and a hydrophobic poly( n ‐butyl acrylate) side arms is synthesized via a simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP ( se ATRP), utilizing multiple‐step potential electrolysis. To investigate the kinetics of the electrochemical catalytic process triggered by reduction of Cu(II) or Fe(III) catalytic complex in the presence of the multifunctional initiator, cyclic voltammetry measurements are conducted. The naturally derived tannin macromolecule shows narrow MWDs ( Đ = 1.57). Moreover, solvolysis of the star polymer to cleave the side arms and characterize them indicates that all chains grow to the same length (homopolymers with M w / M n <1.17), which confirms the well‐controlled se ATRP. The structure of the obtained TA‐based systems is characterized microscopically (AFM) and spectroscopically ( 1 H NMR, FT‐IR). Atomic force microscopy measurements precisely determine the diameters of the obtained star polymers (19.7 ± 3.3 nm). These new star polymers may find biomedical applications as drug delivery systems and antifouling or antimicrobial coatings.