NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS CONSTRUCTED USING CLICK CHEMISTRY TECHNIQUES

Abstract

[029] This invention introduces a method for constructing and functionalizing nanostructured materials using click chemistry, specifically copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). The nanostructures, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, and porous frameworks, are assembled with precise control over their architecture, resulting in highly stable materials. Functional groups are integrated via click reactions, enabling applications in drug delivery, catalysis, and sensing. The method is adaptable for scalable production, providing a robust and versatile approach to creating nanostructured materials for biomedical, electronic, and environmental uses. Accompanied Drawing [FIG. 1]

Specification

Description:[020] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[021] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[022] Nanostructure Assembly Using Click Chemistry
The invention utilizes click chemistry as a central process to construct nanostructured materials, harnessing the benefits of copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). These reactions allow for the controlled assembly of molecular building blocks, forming a nanostructured material that is both highly stable and adaptable. The CuAAC reaction, known for its specificity and efficiency, is the primary choice for constructing nanostructures that require precise molecular linking and chemical robustness. Through CuAAC, alkyne- and azide-functionalized molecules connect to form triazole rings, creating highly stable nanostructures resistant to environmental and chemical stresses.
[023] In scenarios where metal catalysts like copper cannot be used-such as in biomedical applications sensitive to metal contamination-the invention employs the SPAAC reaction. SPAAC eliminates the need for a catalyst by using strained cyclooctynes that react with azides to form stable triazole linkages. This approach allows the creation of biocompatible nanostructures that are safe for use in biological environments, expanding the range of applications for the nanostructured materials. The assembly process enables the formation of nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanofibers, and porous frameworks, providing versatility in designing materials tailored to the desired functionality.
[024] Functionalization of Nanostructured Materials
The invention's approach to functionalization leverages click chemistry's modularity and precision to integrate various functional groups onto the nanostructured materials. Functional groups can be added to achieve specific purposes, such as drug delivery, catalysis, or sensing. For instance, targeting ligands or antibodies can be attached to the nanostructure's surface for targeted drug delivery, allowing the material to interact with specific cellular receptors. Catalytic sites can also be introduced via click-linked metal-organic groups or enzyme mimics, making the nanostructures suitable for catalytic applications in chemical synthesis or environmental remediation.
[025] Additionally, imaging agents and fluorescent tags can be attached through click chemistry, creating nanostructures that act as molecular probes for imaging or sensing applications. This functionalization step is crucial for customizing the nanostructure for specific tasks, ensuring that each material is optimized for its intended application. By employing click reactions, this invention allows for the precise and reliable attachment of functional groups, resulting in multifunctional nanostructures with high applicability across various fields.
[026] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[027] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.
[028] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention. , Claims:1.A method for constructing nanostructured materials, comprising: assembling base nanostructures by performing copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions on alkyne- and azide-functionalized molecules, resulting in a stable triazole-linked nanostructure.

2.The method of Claim 1, further comprising the integration of functional groups via CuAAC or strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) reactions, imparting specific properties to the nanostructure based on intended application.

3.A nanostructured material constructed using the method of Claim 1, wherein the nanostructure is a nanoparticle, nanofiber, or porous framework, characterized by triazole-linked bonds for enhanced stability.

4.The nanostructured material of Claim 3, wherein the functional groups include ligands, catalysts, fluorescent tags, or imaging agents, tailored for applications in drug delivery, catalysis, or sensing.

5.A method of using the nanostructured material of Claim 3 in drug delivery, comprising: attaching targeting ligands and drug molecules to the nanostructure using click chemistry, allowing for targeted delivery and controlled release in biological systems.

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