PURPOSE The relation between transfection efficiency of DNA/polymer complexes and DNA conformational alterations is investigated. The buffering capacity of several synthetic polymers is also studied to relate their performance in transfection efficiency. METHODS The cationic polymer/DNA interaction was evaluated by measuring the alteration of DNA secondary structures in solution before and af...

In the present study seven synthetic polymers were used as adsorbents for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution. The equilibrium studies were systematically carried out in a batch process, covering various process parameters that include agitation time, adsorbent dosage, and pH of the aqueous solution. The analyzing system was an atomic absorption spectrometer (Perkin-Analyst 100). It was...

Segmented polyurethanes containing azo aromatic groups in the main chain were synthesized by reaction of 3,3'-azobis(6-hydroxybenzoic acid) (ABHB), 5-[4-(hydroxyphenyl)azo] salicylic acid (HPAS), and 5-[1-hydroxynaphthyl)azo] salicylic acid (HNAS) with hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI). All synthesized monomers and polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H-NMR spectra, TGA and D...

Limited cytoplasmic delivery of enzyme-susceptible drugs remains a significant challenge facing the development of protein and nucleic acid therapies that act in intracellular compartments. Researchers have examined several approaches, including fusogenic proteins and protein transduction domains, to enhance the intracellular delivery of the therapeutic cargo. This review summarises efforts to ...

ABC triblock copolymers with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) midblock have attractive properties for biomedical applications because of PEG's favorable properties regarding biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. However, easy strategies to synthesize polymers containing a PEG midblock are limited. In this study, the successful synthesis of a heterofunctional PEG macroinitiator containing both an az...

The future of biochemistry lies in understanding how single gene products associate and function together. Interactions in connective tissues, including those between the proteoglycans and collagens are especially piquant, evolutionarily conserved and physiologically significant. Connective tissues (e.g. skin, tendon, blood vessels, etc.) are systems of insoluble fibrils and soluble polymers wh...

According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Smart Polymers (SP) or stimulus-responsive polymers are “polymers that respond is designed a stimulus like pH, light, heat, etc. change, provides predetermined action”.