Briana Simms

• Post-doctoral Associate at Duke University

Here, we demonstrate the applicability of self-assembling linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) and their nanoaggregates possessing varied surfaces as therapeutic nanocarriers. These LDBCs are comprised of a hydrophobic, linear polyester chemically coupled to a hydrophilic dendron polyamidoamine (PAMAM)—the latter of which acts as the surface o...

This study summarizes the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of a library of biocompatible self-assembling Janus dendrimers (JDs) and their resulting nanostructures possessing either a cationic (NH3+), anionic (COO-), or neutral (OH) surface. Strategically designed for applications in therapeutic delivery, the dendrimers are comprised of a...

This study represents a successful approach towards employing polycaprolactone - polyamidoamine (PCL-PAMAM) LDBC nano-aggregates as small molecule carriers in NIR imaging and photothermal therapy. A feasible and robust synthetic strategy was used to synthesize a library of amphiphilic LDBCs with well-controlled hydrophobic to hydrophilic weight rat...

Herein, we present a facile and comprehensive synthetic methodology for the preparation of polyester‐polyamidoamine (PAMAM) (i.e., polyester: polylactide [PLA] (hydrophobic) and polyamidoamine, PAMAM [hydrophilic]) polymers. A library of PLA‐PAMAM linear dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) in which both l and d, l polylactide were employed in mass r...

The Inside Cover picture highlights perturbations to vibrational energy levels and ¹³C NMR spectra of the acceptor pyrimidine upon complexation with halogen bond donors. Shifts and interaction energies increase with stronger electron withdrawing groups and more polarizable halogen atoms. More information can be found in the Full Paper by D. L. Watk...

The effects of intermolecular interactions by a series of haloaromatic halogen bond donors on the normal modes and chemical shifts of the acceptor pyrimidine are investigated by Raman and NMR spectroscopies and electronic structure computations. Halogen bond interactions with pyrimidine's nitrogen atoms shift normal modes to higher energy and shift...