Synthesis and functionalization of dextran-based single-chain nanoparticles in aqueous media.

Water-dispersible dextran-based single-chain polymer nanoparticles (SCPNs) were prepared in aqueous media and under mild conditions. Radiolabeling of the resulting biocompatible materials allowed the study of lung deposition of aqueous aerosols after intratracheal nebulization by means of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), demonstrating their potential use as imaging contrast agents.

Scavenging of fluorinated N,N'-dialkylureas by hydrogen binding: a novel separation method for fluorous synthesis.

[reaction: see text] A dramatic solubility increase in fluorous solvents is observed for N,N'-di(polyfluoroalkyl)ureas when hydrogen binding complexes are formed with commercially available perfluoroalkanoic acid scavengers. As a case example, analytically pure peptides and esters are obtained using this novel separation method.