Cyrille Boyer

UNSW Sydney | UNSW

Control of the morphology of polymer systems is achieved through reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization techniques such as Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT). Advanced RAFT techniques offer much more than just “living” polymerization — the RAFT toolkit now enables morphological control of polymer systems across many dec...

Polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) has been previously combined with 3D printing to develop customized nanostructured materials with a wide range of functional applications. In traditional PIMS, monofunctional, linear macromolecular chain transfer agents (macroCTAs) are used to develop macroCTA-b-P(monomer-stat-crosslinker) network...

More than two million people worldwide are affected by life-threatening, invasive fungal infections annually. Candida species are the most common cause of nosocomial, invasive fungal infections and are associated with mortality rates above 40%. Despite the increasing incidence of drug-resistance, the development of novel antifungal formulations has...

Metallic implants are integral in modern medicine, offering excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, implant-related infections pose a major challenge. Current drug delivery methods, such as surface-coated and drug-eluting implants, are limited by finite drug supplies and complex manufacturing steps. Recent approaches like loc...

Traditionally, combining carbon and ceramic materials has been challenging due to their different chemical and physical properties. Despite the development of numerous methodologies for their synthesis, these techniques frequently necessitate intricate, multi‐stage protocols and specialized equipment. This study introduces a novel approach for fabr...

Three‐dimensional (3D) printed multimaterials have quickly grown in interest as researchers aim to mimic the material chemistry and geometric complexity of natural materials. While some exceptional multimaterial 3D printing systems have been developed, there is still a shortfall in the scope and production of these materials. More recently, the int...

Ion‐exchange materials are commonly composed of polyelectrolyte networks in which crosslinking preserves macroscopic geometry and prevents dissolution in aqueous conditions. However, crosslinking inherently inhibits efficient swelling and mass transfer during ion‐exchange processes. Herein, a one‐step polymerization‐induced microphase separation (P...

Nanostructured carbon materials with designer geometries are of great interest for a wide range of energy‐based and environmental applications due to their tunable microstructure, which allows for optimized properties and performance, as well as their ability to be shaped in complex three‐dimensional (3D) geometries suited for targeted applications...

This work introduces a novel method to construct Schottky junctions to boost the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Perovskite barium zirconium titanate (BZT) core/metal silver shell nanoparticles are synthesized to be embedded into electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers before they...

The global increase in invasive fungal infections and the emergence of drug‐resistant strains demand the urgent development of novel antifungal drugs. In this context, synthetic polymers with diverse compositions, mimicking natural antimicrobial peptides, have shown promising potential for combating fungal infections. This study investigates how al...

The distribution of molecular weights in polymers, known as the molecular weight distribution (MWD), plays a significant role in dictating the behavior of polymer self‐assembly and influencing the characteristics of the resulting materials. This study investigates how MWD of macromolecular chain‐transfer agents (macroCTAs) impact internal nanostruc...

Invasive fungal infections impose a substantial global health burden. They cause more than 1.5 million deaths annually and are insufficiently met by the currently approved antifungal drugs. Antifungal peptides are a promising alternative to existing antifungal drugs, however, they can be challenging to synthesise, and are often susceptible to prote...

To date, the restricted capability to fabricate ceramics with independently tailored nano‐ and macroscopic features has hindered their implementation in a wide range of crucial technological areas, including aeronautics, defense, and microelectronics. In this study, a novel approach that combines self‐ and digital assembly to create polymer‐derived...

Photoinduced reversible deactivation radical polymerization (photo‐RDRP) or photoinduced controlled/living radical polymerization has emerged as a versatile and powerful technique for preparing functional and advanced polymer materials under mild conditions by harnessing light energy. While UV and visible light (λ = 400–700 nm) are extensively empl...

More than two million people worldwide are affected by life-threatening, invasive fungal infections annually. Candida species are the most common cause of nosocomical, invasive fungal infections and are associated with mortality rates above 40%. Despite the increasing incidence of drug-resistance, the development of novel antifungal formulations ha...

Polymerization‐induced microphase separation (PIMS) is a versatile technique for producing nanostructured materials. In previous PIMS studies, the predominant approach involved employing homopolymers as macromolecular chain transfer agents (macroCTAs) to mediate the formation of nanostructured materials. In this article, the use of AB diblock copol...

In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of three-dimensionally (3D) printed polymer materials with controlled phase separation using polymerization induced microphase separation (PIMS) via photoinduced 3D printing. While many parameters affecting the nanostructuration in PIMS processes have been extensively investigated, the influence of the...

In this review, we provide a brief history, progress, and applications, and discuss the remaining challenges of photocontrolled reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization (i.e., photoinduced electron/energy transfer-RAFT (PET-RAFT), photoiniferter, and photomediated cationic RAFT polymerization). Among these, visible-lig...

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer several advantages compared to their liquid counterparts, and much research has focused on developing SPEs with enhanced mechanical properties while maintaining high ionic conductivities. The recently developed polymerization‐induced microphase separation (PIMS) technique offers a straightforward pathway to f...

Background: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) urgently needs more effective therapies, with a 5-year survival rate <11%. We previously demonstrated βIII-tubulin knockdown in PDAC cells reduced tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, increased chemosensitivity, and induced apoptosis, making it a potent therapeutic target [McCarroll et al, Oncotar...

Back Cover: In article 2200377, Cyrille Boyer and co‐workers show the antimicrobial polymers as a promising approach to combat multidrugresistant pathogens. A library of 31 amphiphilic ternary polymers containing different cationic groups, including primary amine, guanidine, and sulfonium groups, is prepared to investigate the impact of cationic gr...

The microtubule protein, βIII-tubulin, has been implicated as a prognostic, pro-survival, and chemoresistance factor in some of the most lethal malignancies including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, precise survival mechanisms controlled by βIII-tubulin in cancer cells are unknown. Here, we report an unexpected role of βIII-tubuli...

The development of advanced solid‐state energy storage devices is contingent upon finding new ways to produce and manufacture scalable, high modulus solid‐state electrolytes which can simultaneously provide high ionic conductivity and robust mechanical integrity. In this work, we report an efficient one‐step process to manufacture solid polymer ele...

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Fungal infections represent a serious burden on human health. Increasing numbers of susceptible hosts, a limited set of approved antifungal drugs which frequently trigger undesired side effects, and the emergence of resistant strains highlight the urgent demand for novel antifungal drug formu...

The majority of materials 3D printed using vat photopolymerization techniques are prepared by uncontrolled polymerization methods and cannot be easily modified to introduce additional functionality; these materials can be considered as effectively “dead” materials. Fortunately, a suite of photocontrolled reversible–deactivation radical polymerizati...

Antibiotic resistance has become a critical issue, alarming the healthcare and agriculture sectors worldwide. Thanks to rapid advancements in polymer science, antimicrobial polymers (AMPs) have been developed as a mimic version of Host‐defence peptides (a part of natural immune systems of multicellular organisms) to mitigate antibiotic resistance....

Catalytic generation of nitric oxide (NO) from NO donors by nanomaterials has enabled prolonged NO delivery for various biomedical applications, but this approach requires laborious synthesis routes. In this study, a new class of materials, that is, polymeric amines including polyethyleneimine (PEI), poly‐L‐lysine, and poly(allylamine hydrochloride...

Antimicrobial polymers (AMPs) have emerged as a promising approach to combat multidrug‐resistant pathogens. Developed from binary polymers, which contain cationic and hydrophobic groups, ternary polymers are enhanced by adding neutral hydrophilic monomers to improve their biocompatibility. Cationic groups have attracted significant attention owing...

Although 3D printing allows the macroscopic structure of objects to be easily controlled, controlling the nanostructure of 3D printed materials has rarely been reported. Herein, we report an efficient and versatile process for fabricating 3D printed materials with controlled nanoscale structural features. This approach uses resins containing macrom...

Nanoparticle drug delivery is largely restricted by the low drug loading capacity of nanoparticle carriers. To address this critical challenge and maximize the potential of nanoparticle drug delivery, a 2D ultra‐thin layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheet with exceptionally high drug loading, excellent colloidal stability, and prolonged blood cir...

This work presents a new approach for hybridizing nano-scale materials to create Schottky junctions for regulating the dynamic movement of triboelectric charges in the friction layer and enhancing the electrical output of flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) compo...

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has aroused extensive interest as an advanced anti-cancer approach which is featured with high tumor specificity and selectivity. However, chemodynamic therapeutic efficacy heavily relies on the level of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is intrinsically heterogenous and insufficient. Herein, a self-supplied H2O2...

Membrane emulsification using pore sizes of 100 and 800 nm in conjunction with miniemulsion polymerization has been investigated for monomers with varying water solubilities, namely, styrene, n-butyl methacrylate (nBMA), benzyl methacrylate (BzMA), and n-butyl acrylate (nBA), and compared with previous work on methyl methacrylate (MMA). The O/W int...

Photopolymerization A photoinduced dual‐wavelength approach for 3D printing and self‐healing of thermosetting materials is reported in the Communication (e202114111) by Zhiheng Zhang, Nathaniel Corrigan, and Cyrille Boyer.

Photopolymerisation Zhiheng Zhang, Nathaniel Corrigan und Cyrille Boyer berichten in ihrer Zuschrift (e202114111) über eine photoinduzierte Methode für den 3D‐Druck basierend auf zwei Wellenlängen sowie die Selbstheilung von duroplastischen Materialien.

Liquid metal droplets of gallium (Ga) and Ga‐based alloys are traditionally incorporated as deformable additives into soft elastomers to make them conductive. However, such a strategy has not been implemented to develop conductive sponges with real sponge‐like characteristics. Herein, polyurethane‐based sponges with Ga microdroplets embedded inside...

Off-target toxicity remains a major limitation of current cancer therapy, necessitating an alternative precision approach to treat cancers. Herein, a tumor microenvironment (TME)-triggered anticancer strategy was developed by constructing an anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram (DSF)-loaded, Cu-doped zeolite imidazolate frameworks-8 (DSF-Cu/ZIF-8) nanop...

Environmentally benign and sustainable chemistry has the potential to address negative environmental impacts associated with the production and degradation of synthetic polymers. In particular, green synthesis of plastics could be achieved by the convergence of visible-light-driven photocatalysis and reversible-deactivation radical polymerization.

Vat photopolymerization‐based 3D printing techniques have been widely used to produce high‐resolution 3D thermosetting materials. However, the lack of repairability of these thermosets leads to the production of waste. In this study, reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents are incorporated into resin formulations to allow vis...

Currently, there are no straightforward methods to 3D print materials with nanoscale control over morphological and functional properties. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach for the fabrication of materials with controlled nanoscale morphologies using a rapid and commercially available digital light-processing 3D printing technique. Our process...

Vat photopolymerization-based 3D printing techniques have been widely used to produce high-resolution 3D thermosetting materials. However, the lack of repairability of these thermosets leads to the production of waste. In this study, reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents are incorporated into resin formulations to allow vis...

Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are sustainable energy sources to power a diverse range of intelligent sensing and monitoring devices and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a common polymer incorporated in TENGs. To further enhance the electrical outputs of PVDF based TENGs, herein we present a technique for introducing liquid metal...

Antimicrobial polymers have recently been investigated as potential treatments to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. A typical antimicrobial polymer consists of cationic groups that allow the polymers to adsorb onto negatively charged bacterial membranes and hydrophobic groups that insert into and disrupt the bilipid membrane. Recently, with the...

Synthetic polymers are omnipresent in society as textiles and packaging materials, in construction and medicine, among many other important applications. Alternatively, natural polymers play a crucial role in sustaining life and allowing organisms to adapt to their environments by performing key biological functions such as molecular recognition an...

This work presents the synthesis of a novel photosensitive acrylate monomer for use as both a self‐catalyst in the photoinduced electron/energy transfer–reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (PET‐RAFT) polymerisation process and a photosensitiser (PS) for antibacterial applications. Hydrophilic, cationic, and antimicrobial formulations a...

Visible light‐regulated polymerization has emerged as a powerful synthetic tool for the preparation of functional polymers and materials. In this chapter, we summarize the most recent developments in photoregulated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (photoRAFT) using photocatalystic and catalyst‐free approaches. Recent...

Ultrathin porphyrinic 2D MOFs, ZnTCPP nanosheets (TCPP: 5,10,15,20‐(tetra‐4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin) were employed as heterogeneous photocatalysts to activate PET‐RAFT polymerization under various wavelengths ranging from violet to orange light. High polymerization rates, oxygen tolerance, and precise temporal control were achieved. The polymers s...

Cotton, the most popular textile fibre used today, suffers from high combustibility and a propensity for microbial growth. In this study, we used oxygen tolerant, visible light-activated free radical polymerisation to functionalise cotton with a biocompatible, fire retardant, antimicrobial coating that provided good fire retardancy when dry, and qu...

This work presents the synthesis of a novel photosensitive acrylate monomer for use as both a self-catalyst in the photoinduced electron/energy transfer – reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerisation process and a photosensitiser (PS) for antibacterial applications. A range of hydrophilic, cationic, and antimicrobial f...

Hybrid piezo-triboelectric nanogenerators constitute a new class of self-powered systems that exploit the synergy of piezoelectric and triboelectric mechanisms to improve energy harvesting efficencies and address the energy and power needs of portable and wearable electronic devices. The unique, synergistic electrical coupling mechanisms of piezoel...

Light has emerged as a prominent stimulus to both generate and manipulate polymeric materials across multiple length scales. Compared with other external stimuli, light-mediated approaches enable unprecedented control over when and where chemical transformations occur (i.e., spatiotemporal control). To date, the majority of established protocols re...

2D porphyrinic nanosheets were investigated as heterogeneous photocatalysts to mediate PET-RAFT polymerization of different monomers under a broad range of light wavelengths. This system exhibits oxygen tolerance and temporal control resulting in the preparation of well-defined polymers. Nanosheets were utilized to catalyze stereolithographic 3D pr...

A series of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) homopolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions (MWDs) is prepared via photoinduced electron/energy transfer–reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (PET–RAFT) polymerization. The thermal transition temperature of these polymer samples is analyzed via turbidity measurements in water/...

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are major contributors to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression through protumor signaling and the generation of fibrosis, the latter of which creates a physical barrier to drugs. CAF inhibition is thus an ideal component of any therapeutic approach for PDAC. SLC7A11 is a cystine transporter that ha...

Biofilms are a persistent issue in healthcare and industry. Once formed, the eradication of biofilms is challenging as the extracellular polymeric matrix provides protection against harsh environmental conditions and physically enhances resistance to antimicrobials. The fabrication of polymer brush coatings provides a versatile approach to modify t...

3D Printing In their Research Article on page 8839, Kenny Lee, Nathaniel Corrigan, and Cyrille Boyer make use of a type I photoinitiated RAFT polymerization for rapid high‐resolution 3D printing and surface functionalization.

3D‐Druck Im Forschungsartikel auf S. 8921 nutzen Kenny Lee, Nathaniel Corrigan und Cyrille Boyer eine photoinitiierte RAFT‐Polymerisation für schnellen 3D‐Druck und Oberflächenfunktionalisierung.

In this work, we demonstrate the controlled synthesis of graft and branched copolymers using one-pot (batch) or one-pass (flow) processes without intermediate purification. The formation of poly(methacrylate) copolymers with pendent reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent functionalities was performed using a selective photoac...

RAFT facilitated digital light projection 3D printing of polymeric materials provides a convenient and facile route for inducing post‐fabrication transformations via reactivation of dormant chain transfer agents. In this work, we report the use of a Norrish type I photoinitiator in conjunction with a RAFT agent to produce a variety of open‐air 3D p...