Polymer Microspheres
One-step surface functionalization of PDMS-co-PVMS microspheres with a thiol-ene click reaction
My primary undergraduate research project explores polymeric and materials chemistry, with particular attention to applications in biological systems. At its heart, this work lives at the interface between these disciplines. We are not merely creating inert materials; rather, we engineer polymers with a purpose, designing their structure and function to speak the language of cells.
PDMS microspheres are a promising vector for directed drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, ease of fabrication, and capacity for controlled drug release. However, the therapeutic use of PDMS microspheres is limited by a lack of robust protocols for tailoring their surface chemistry, a critical factor that dictates cellular interactions and targeting efficiency.
The PDMS-co-PVMS microspheres contain a vinyl monomer that provides a molecular "handle" for the covalent bonding of L-cysteine to the sphere surface via a thiol-ene click reaction. This reaction scheme illustrates the general concept of surface functionalization. There are far more than three vinyl groups on the surface of the microsphere, and the molecules are not proportional to the size of the microsphere.
Polymer microspheres offer a distinct advantage over non-particle methods: slowed drug release kinetics. The graph shows the concept of slowed drug release. In this case, polymer microspheres can be loaded with a drug and suspended in a solution. Over time, the drug will leak out of the sphere and go into the solution. The applications of this research entail fewer doctor visits and targeted drug delivery.
It is predicted that this simple and efficient method can be directly extended to conjugate larger and more complex biomolecules. On the right is a sphere with peptides attached to the surface. Our work establishes a foundational strategy for customizing the surface of PDMS microspheres.
Check out my most recent poster for this project, presented in December 2025!
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