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Communication

Swelling-Based Method for Preparing Stable, Functionalized Polymer Colloids

Anthony J. Kim, Vinothan N. Manoharan, and John C. Crocker*

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2005, 127 (6), pp 1592–1593

DOI: 10.1021/ja0450051

Publication Date (Web): January 25, 2005

In papers with more than one author, the asterisk indicates the name of the author to whom inquiries about the paper should be addressed.

jcrocker@seas.upenn.edu

Abstract

We describe a swelling-based method to prepare sterically stabilized polymer colloids with different functional groups or biomolecules attached to their surface. It should be applicable to a variety of polymeric colloids, including magnetic particles, fluorescent particles, polystyrene particles, PMMA particles, and so forth. The resulting particles are more stable in the presence of monovalent and divalent salt than existing functionalized colloids, even in the absence of any surfactant or protein blocker. While we use a PEG polymer brush here, the method should enable the use of a variety of polymer chemistries and molecular weights.

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