Controlled depolymerization: Stimuli-responsive self-immolative polymers

Gregory I. Peterson, Michael B. Larsen, Andrew J. Boydston

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

193 Scopus citations

Abstract

Self-immolative polymers (SIPs) are unique macromolecules that are able to react to multiple types of environmental influences by giving amplified response outputs. When triggering moieties installed at SIP chain ends are activated by their corresponding stimuli, a spontaneous head-to-tail depolymerization ensues, often involving multitopic release of small molecules. SIP designs have evolved a high degree of modularity in each of their functional components, enabling a broad range of utility and applications-driven tuning. In this Perspective, we summarize and discuss recent progress in this nascent area of research, including (i) synthesis of different types of SIPs, (ii) design and evaluation of triggering moieties, (iii) depolymerization mechanisms and kinetics, (iv) applications of SIPs, and (v) outlook and challenges facing the field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7317-7328
Number of pages12
JournalMacromolecules
Volume45
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 25 2012

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