THE CHALLENGE
A major challenge in commercializing advanced copolymers—especially for high-value applications like membrane protein extraction—is the inability to consistently produce high-quality, soluble materials at scale. Traditional radical copolymerization methods often suffer from premature gelation caused by interchain self-assembly, forming pseudo-crosslinked networks that are difficult to process and purify. This leads to unpredictable molecular weight distributions and poor batch-to-batch reproducibility, which complicates manufacturing and quality control. Despite attempts to fix this using higher initiator concentrations or altered monomer feeds, these solutions frequently introduce new issues, such as decreased solubility and reduced performance. Bringing functional, customizable polymers to market, especially in biotechnological and materials science sectors, overcoming these solubility and scalability barriers is critical to unlocking reliable production and broad commercial adoption.
OUR SOLUTION
We address a long-standing bottleneck in polymer manufacturing by introducing a novel class of unsymmetrical stilbene monomers that, when copolymerized with maleic anhydride or N-substituted maleimides, produce highly soluble and easily processable copolymers. By disrupting the molecular symmetry that typically causes unwanted gelation during production, this approach enables consistent, scalable, and controllable polymer synthesis—crucial for commercial viability. Using specialized solvents and precision tools, we ensure tight control over molecular weight and material quality. The result is a next-generation copolymer platform that not only performs reliably in manufacturing environments but also brings added value through thermal stability and optional fluorescent functionality, opening doors to high-impact applications like membrane protein extraction, diagnostics, and advanced material coatings.
Figure: General alternating copolymer structure, structures of chain transfer agents(CTAs) used to control the molecular weight and dispersity of stilbene copolymers.
Advantages:
- Prevents gelation and ensures homogeneous, scalable polymerization
- Enables precise molecular weight control
- Enhances solubility and processability in both organic and aqueous media
- Adds functional versatility through thermal stability and fluorescence
Potential Application:
- Membrane protein extraction
- Polymeric surfactant formulation
- Fluorescent imaging probes
