A Green Approach for the Synthesis of Fluorescent Polymer Particles by Combined Use of Enzymatic Miniemulsion Polymerization with Clickable Surfmer and Click Reaction

Abstract

Herein, we describe a facile and green method to prepare fluorescent polymer particles by combined use of enzymatic miniemulsion polymerization and click reaction. Firstly, alkyne-bearing polymer particles were prepared by HRP-mediated miniemulsion polymerization of styrene with clickable surfmer (surfactant + monomer) 1. Then, azide-bearing fluorescence compound, i.e., dansyl azide compound 2, was introduced to polymer particles surface via click reaction using Cu(I) catalyst. This methodology will be applied to a broad range of azide-bearing compounds to generate functional polymer particles. Since both enzymatic miniemulsion polymerization and click reaction are conducted at room temperature in water, present method offers a practical and environmental friendly method for preparation of functional polymer particles.