Research Core: Design and Synthesis of Functional Polymer Building Blocks
Polymer synthesis is the foundation of all research in the Klinger Lab. By achieving precise control over polymer structure, we create functional building blocks that serve as the basis for a wide range of advanced and bio-related materials. Our synthetic strategies allow us to tune four essential parameters: (1) chemistry (functional groups, backbone design), (2) sequence (random, block, or gradient distributions), (3) length (molecular weight and dispersity), and (4) architecture (linear, branched, brush-like, or more complex topologies).
Our work combines modern synthetic organic chemistry with advanced polymerization techniques, including controlled radical polymerizations (RAFT, ATRP, NMP) and living ring-opening polymerizations (anionic, cationic). These methods give access to well-defined polyethers, polyesters, and aliphatic polycarbonates. To overcome functional group constraints, we complement them with robust post-polymerization functionalization strategies that introduce tailored reactivities and allow modification of natural or bio-derived polymers, such as polysaccharides. This approach ensures both structural comparability and functional versatility.
Building on this molecular-level precision, we direct our polymers into higher-order materials through mesoscale processing methods. By integrating polymer design with colloidal chemistry, we assemble nanoparticles and nanostructures with responsive or multifunctional behavior. Using surface patterning, we organize polymers spatially to generate defined interfaces with applications in coatings, sensors, or biomedical devices. Through hydrogel formation, we translate functional moieties into dynamic, three-dimensional networks with tunable mechanical and biological properties.
Overall, this combination of tailor-made polymer synthesis with mesoscale material processing expands the functionality of our systems far beyond what either approach could achieve alone. By linking molecular design with controlled self-assembly and material structuring, we create multifunctional and adaptive materials that pave the way for innovations in nanotechnology, biomedicine, and advanced materials science.
Selected Publications
[09] S. Kanwal, U. Bin Abdul Aziz, E. Quaas, K. Achazi, D. Klinger*
Sulfonium-Based Polymethacrylamides for Antimicrobial Use:
Influence of Structure and Composition
[08] D. Işık, E. Quaas, D. Klinger
Thermo-and oxidation-sensitive poly(meth)acrylates based on alkyl sulfoxides:
dual-responsive homopolymers from one functional group
Polym. Chem. 2020, DOI: 10.1039/D0PY01321H
- featured in the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators
[07] A. Gruber, L. Navarro, D. Klinger
Reactive Precursor Particles as Synthetic Platform for the Generation of
Functional Nanoparticles, Nanogels, and Microgels
Adv. Mater. Interf. 2020, 7, 1901676
Review Article
[06] A. Gruber, D. Işık, B. B. Fontanezi, C. Böttcher, M. Schäfer-Korting, D. Klinger
A versatile synthetic platform for amphiphilic nanogels with tunable hydrophobicity
- featured on the cover of the respective issue
[05] N. V. Handa, S. Li, J. A. Gerbec, N. Sumitani, C. J. Hawker, D. Klinger
Fully Aromatic High Performance Thermoset via Sydnone-Alkyne
Cycloaddition
[04] C. Fleischmann, J. Gopez, P. Lundberg, H. Ritter, K. L. Killops, C. J. Hawker, D. Klinger
A Robust Platform for Functional Microgels via Thiol-Ene Chemistry with Reactive
Polyether-Based Nanoparticles
[03] T. Murakami, T. Kawamori, J. D. Gopez, A. J. McGrath, D. Klinger, K. Saito
Synthesis of PEO‐based physical gels with tunable viscoelastic properties
[02] A. Lee, P. Lundberg, D. Klinger, B. F. Lee, C. J. Hawker, N. A. Lynd
Physiologically Relevant, pH-Responsive PEG-Based Block and Statistical Copolymers with N,N-Diisopropylamine Units
[01] D. Klinger, K. Nilles, P. Théato
Polymeric 1-Iminopyridinium Ylides as New Photo-Switchable Polymers