Immunostimulatory pH-responsive Nanogels Derived from Poly(oxanorbornene) Precursor Polymers
Paper
Furfural-derived 5-alkoxy-2(5H)-furanones as cationically copolymerizable cyclic hemiacetal esters
Furfural-derived cyclic hemiacetal esters did not undergo cationic homopolymerization, while cationic copolymerization with oxiranes and terpolymerization with vinyl ethers and oxiranes successfully proceeded to yield acidically degradable polymers.
A nonconjugated AIE polymer from enol-conjugated ACQ curcumin through nucleophilic substitution polymerization-induced emission towards enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
SNPIE of a natural extract (curcumin) is used to prepare an AIE polymer, which exhibits intriguing ACQ-to-AIE transformation and efficient photocatalytic activity with an optimal H2 production rate of 3122.5 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light.
Chemoselective ring-opening copolymerization of δ-lactone derived from CO2 and butadiene via transesterification to synthesize bifunctional copolyesters
Chemoselective ring-opening copolymerization of δ-lactone derived from CO2 and butadiene via transesterification to synthesize bifunctional copolyesters under mild conditions.
Paper
Cyclobutane-linked nanothreads through thermal and photochemically mediated polymerization of cyclohexadiene
We present the pressure-induced polymerization of 1,4-cyclohexadiene, wherein thermal methods may access multiple reaction pathways. In contrast, light enables solely cyclobutane-based nanothreads to arise from a single viable reaction pathway.
Paper
A versatile synthetic strategy for non-symmetric isoindigo polymers via modular sidechain engineering
We introduce a streamlined synthesis of non-symmetric isoindigo-based polymers to enhance specificity and tunability. Structural and mechanical characterization was conducted to elucidate the effects of symmetry-breaking on key material properties.
RGD peptide-mimicking random copolymers synthesized via rapid and controllable NCA polymerization to promote cell adhesion
RGD-mimicking random copolymers synthesized via rapid and controllable NCA polymerization promote cell adhesion in a manner analogous to RGD peptides.
Fast and controlled thermoresponse in the photoluminescence of well-designed hydrogels of two separate nanodomains with solvatochromic dyes
A novel hydrogel exhibiting significant changes in photoluminescence and mechanical properties both in air and water was developed.
Synthesis of water-soluble, highly branched arborescent poly(acrylate)s: a colloid-macromolecule chimera
Water-soluble branched arborescent polymers exhibit particle-macromolecule duality, transforming from spherical particles in solution to flat quasi-2D structures at interfaces.
Paper
Photoactive methylene blue-functionalized polymer for antimicrobial activation under red light
Towards targeted and safe photoinduced bacterial elimination through skin barriers using a newly developed, biocompatible dye-embedded polymer micelle.
Giant molecules with varying geometric features by programming the unit sequence
Giant molecules with precise regio-configuration and geometric features were modularly prepared.
Implementing a sulfur-substitution approach toward a high-performance recyclable polythioester
By implementing a sulfur-substitution approach, the resulting polythioester P(tCL) exhibited excellent chemical recyclability and high-performance properties such as high crystallinity, excellent gas barrier, and polyolefin-like mechanical property.
Cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-oxazolines in γ-butyrolactones using various initiators
Bio-sourced (γ-alkyl) γ-butyrolactones are found to be valid green solvents for living/controlled cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-oxazolines using classic and unexploited initiators.
Paper
Acid-labile and non-degradable cross-linked star polymer model networks by aqueous polymerization for in situ encapsulation and release
Aqueous RAFT polymerization for the preparation of degradable and non-degradable cross-linked star polymer model networks, in situ dye encapsulation and release.
About this collection
Polymer Chemistry is proud to present this 2025 Pioneering Investigators collection. This collection highlights the great work being done by mid-career investigators who have firmly established themselves as pioneers of the field of polymer chemistry.
New articles will be added to this collection as they are published.
Congratulations to all those whose work is featured. Join us in celebrating their contributions!