Synthesis and surface properties of monodisperse polymer particles for biotechnology applications

Abstract

Effects of initial pH and buffer salt concentration on emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with 4,4′-azo-bis-(4-cyanovaleric acid) (CVA) as initiator were investigated. Monomer conversion, surface tension and pH were monitored during the polymerization. To improve the biocompatibility of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles, they were also prepared in the presence of dextran or carboxylated dextran derivatives. Zeta-potential of the polymer particles before and after chemisorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in dependence of pH and ionic strength was measured. Models of surface polymer/protein structures are proposed. The suitable methods, ensuring the control of latex particle size, surface structure, and surface concentration of carboxyl groups in the polymerization process, as well as the factors providing particle capability to interact with protein, are discussed.

Acknowledgements. This study was financially supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no 01–03–32414).