Determination of copolymer localization in polymer-CaCO3hybrids formed in mediated crystallization

Design, Synthesis and Actual Applications of the Polymers Containing Acidic P-OH Fragments: Part 2-Sidechain Phosphorus-Containing Polyacids

Macromolecules containing acidic fragments in side-groups—polyacids—occupy a special place among synthetic polymers. Properties and applications of polyacids are directly related to the chemical structure of macromolecules: the nature of the acidic groups, polymer backbone, and spacers between the main chain and acidic groups. The chemical nature of the phosphorus results in the diversity of acidic >P(O)OH fragments in sidechain phosphorus-containing polyacids (PCPAs) that can be derivatives of phosphoric or phosphinic acids. Sidechain PCPAs have many similarities with other polyacids. However, due to the relatively high acidity of −P(O)(OH)2 fragment, bone and mineral affinity, and biocompatibility, sidechain PCPAs have immense potential for diverse applications. Synthetic approaches to sidechain PCPAs also have their own specifics. All these issues are discussed in the present review.

Controlled biointerfaces with biomimetic phosphorus-containing polymers

Phosphorus is a ubiquitous and one of the most common elements found in living organisms. Almost all molecules containing phosphorus in our body exist as analogs of phosphate salts or phosphoesters. Their functions are versatile and important, being responsible for forming the genetic code, cell membrane, and mineral components of hard tissue. Several materials inspired from these phosphorus-containing biomolecules have been recently developed. These materials have shown unique properties at the biointerface, such as nonfouling ability, blood compatibility, lubricity, mineralization induction capability, and bone affinity. Several unfavorable events occur at the interface of materials and living organisms because most of these materials have not been designed while taking host responses into account. These unfavorable events are directly linked to reducing functions and shorten the usable periods of medical devices. Biomimetic phosphorus-containing polymers can improve the reliability of materials in biological systems. In addition, phosphorus-containing biomimetic polymers are useful not only for improving the biocompatibility of material surfaces but also for adding new functions due to the flexibility in molecular design. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the control of biointerfacial phenomena with phosphorus-containing polymers. We especially focus on zwitterioninc phosphorylcholine polymers and polyphosphoesters.