Synthesis and Characterization of Poly Styrene-Co-Poly 2-Hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) Copolymer and an Investigation of Free-Radical Copolymerization Propagation Kinetics by Solvent Effects

A series of homo and copolymers of styrene (ST) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in three different media (bulk, tetrahydrofuran, and benzene) have been investigated by free radical polymerization method. The samples obtained from the synthesis were characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that the synthesis of the polymers is more feasible under neat conditions rather than solvent directed reaction. Moreover, the DSC data shows that the polystyrene obtained is amorphous in nature and therefore displayed only a glass transition signal rather than crystallization and melting peaks. In addition, this study indicates that homolopolymerization of styrene via free radical polymerization tends to be preferable in less polar solvents like THF than in non-polar solvents like benzene. Benzene might destabilize the formation of the reactive radicals leading to the formation of the products. In summary, the homolpolymerization of styrene is more feasible than the homopolymerization 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate under the experimental setup used. Styrene is more reactive than 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate than free radical polymerization reaction due in part of the generation of the benzylic radical intermediate which is more stable leading to the formation of products than alkyl radical which are less stable. Furthermore, polymerization of styrene under neat conditions is preferable in solvent-assisted environments. The choice of solvent for the synthesis of these polymers is crucial and therefore the selection of solvent that leads to the formation of a more stable reaction intermediate is more favorable. It is worth noting that the structure of the proposed copolymer consists of a highly polar and hydrophilic monomer, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and a highly non-polar and hydrophobic monomer, styrene. These functionalities constitute an amphiphilic copolymer with diverse characteristics. A plausible explanation underlying our observations is that the reaction conditions employed in the synthesis of these copolymers might not be the right route required under free radical polymerization.

Preparation and Thermo-Responsive Properties of Poly(Oligo(Ethylene Glycol)Methacrylate)Copolymers with Hydroxy-Terminated Side Chain

Thermo-responsive random copolymers,poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxyethyl methacrylate-co-(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate)(P(EO_(2)-co-EO_(4/5)))and poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol methacrylate(P(EO2-co-EG4/5))are synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization(ATRP).The successful synthesis and the narrow polydispersity index(PDI)of two copolymers are indicated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance(1H-NMR)and gel permeation chromatography(GPC)analyses.The transition behaviors of polymers in the aqueous solution are demonstrated by changes in turbidity and particle sizes.The transition behavior of P(EO2-co-EG4/5)is found to be milder than that of P(EO2-co-EO4/5).Moreover,the presence of hydrogen bonds without thermo-responsive properties established by hydroxyl groups in the end-side chain of P(EO_(2)-co-EG_(4/5))hinders the dehydration at the transition temperature(TT).Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrometry(ATR-FTIR)analysis along with contact angle measurements reveals that both P(EO_(2)-co-EO_(4/5))and P(EO_(2)-co-EG_(4/5))films undergo phase transitions from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity above TT.By examining the swelling and collapse behaviors of the polymer films during phase transitions,it can be concluded that the end hydroxyl groups may establish hydrogen bonds with neighboring ether groups within the films,which remain intact throughout the phase transition process due to their strong bonding interactions.This leads to an increase in steric hindrance within swollen films thereby impeding dehydration processes and inducing hysteresis during phase transitions.

Cerium Methacrylate Assisted Preparation of Highly Thermally Conductive and Anticorrosive Multifunctional Coatings for Heat Conduction Metals Protection

Preparing polymeric coatings with well corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity(TC)to prolong operational life and ensure service reliability of heat conductive metallic materials has long been a substantive and urgent need while a difficult task.Here we report a multifunctional epoxy composite coating(F-CB/CEP)by synthesizing cerium methacrylate and ingeniously using it as a novel curing agent with corrosion inhibit for epoxy resin and modifier for boron nitride through"cation-π"interaction.The prepared F-CB/CEP coating presents a high TC of 4.29 W m^(−1)K^(−1),which is much higher than other reported anti-corrosion polymer coatings and thereby endowing metal materials coated by this coating with outstanding thermal management performance compared with those coated by pure epoxy coating.Meanwhile,the low-frequency impedance remains at 5.1×10^(11)Ωcm^(2)even after 181 days of immersion in 3.5 wt%NaCl solution.Besides,the coating also exhibits well hydrophobicity,self-cleaning properties,temperature resistance and adhesion.This work provides valuable insights for the preparation of high-performance composite coatings with potential to be used as advanced multifunctional thermal management materials,especially for heat conduction metals protection.

Antibiotic-free antimicrobial poly (methyl methacrylate) bone cements:A state-of-the-art review

Prosthetic joint infection(PJI)is the most serious complication following total joint arthroplasty,this being because it is associated with,among other things,high morbidity and low quality of life,is difficult to prevent,and is very challenging to treat/manage.The many shortcomings of antibiotic-loaded poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)bone cement(ALBC)as an agent for preventing and treating/managing PJI are well-known.One is that microorganisms responsible for most PJI cases,such as methicillin-resistant S.aureus,have developed or are developing resistance to gentamicin sulfate,which is the antibiotic in the vast majority of approved ALBC brands.This has led to many research efforts to develop cements that do not contain gentamicin(or,for that matter,any antibiotic)but demonstrate excellent antimicrobial efficacy.There is a sizeable body of literature on these socalled“antibiotic-free antimicrobial”PMMA bone cements(AFAMBCs).The present work is a comprehensive and critical review of this body.In addition to summaries of key trends in results of characterization studies of AFAMBCs,the attractive features and shortcomings of the literature are highlighted.Shortcomings provide motivation for future work,with some ideas being formulation of a new generation of AFAMBCs by,example,adding a nanostructured material and/or an extract from a natural product to the powder and/or liquid of the basis cement,respectively.

DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL CHIRAL IONIC LIQUIDS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL METHACRYLATE

Two new chiral ionic liquids, 1 -((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphateand 1-((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-hexadecylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, were designed an d prepared. Theirchemical structures were characterized by ~1H-NMR. Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate(MMA) in these two ionic liquids was carried out using AIBN/CuCl_2/bipy as the initiating system. The resultant well-definedpolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was employed as a macroinitiator to induce the atom transfer radical polymerization ofmenthyl methacrylate (MnMA) in chlorobenzene, which yielded a PMMA-b-PMnMA diblock copolymer with narrow polydispersity.

Effect of Methyl Methacrylate– Acrylonitrile -Butadiene–Styrene (MABS) on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA)-Fly Ash Cenospheres (FAC) Filled Composites

With the advent of plastics and the wide range of fillers that are available have made modifications as precise as the tailored resins themselves. To modify the properties of polymer either by using fillers or by preparation of polymer blends gives rise to new materials with tailored properties. More complex, three-component systems, obtained by the addition of polymeric modifier to polymer filled composites may be of interest. Use of Fly ash cenospheres is very attractive because it is inexpensive and its use can reduce the environmental pollution to a significant extent. In the present study, Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA)-Fly ash cenospheres composites were prepared using extrusion followed by Injection molding. The effect of matrix modification with Methyl methacrylate– acrylonitrile -butadiene–styrene (MABS) on the performance of PMMA- Fly ash cenospheres compositions was also, studied. It was found that with the addition of Fly ash cenospheres particulate as filler in PMMA showed marginal reduction in Tensile Strength, % Elongation and Impact strength and improvement in Flexural Strength, Heat Deflection Temperature and Vicat Softening Point. Compared with PMMA-cenospheres composites, the notched Impact Strength of the PMMA/MABS/cenospheres composites showed marginal enhancement in values at higher loading of cenospheres. The optimum performances in mechanical and thermal properties were obtained when the ratio of MABS to cenospheres was 1:2.

Copolymerization of Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate and Methyl Methacrylate Catalyzed by Substituted Indanyl Lanthanide(Ⅱ) Complexes

The substituted indenyl lanthanide(Ⅱ) complexes as single component catalyzed for the copolymerization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate were studied. The results indicate that these complexes all show good catalytic activity and the catalytic activity is affected by the temperature and time of polymerization, amount of catalyast and the solvent as well. The yields of the copolymerization are not affected by the ratio of monomers at all. In order of catalytic activity of the substituted indenyl lanthanide(Ⅱ) complexes: (C_5H_9C_9H_6)_2Sm(THF)>(C_2H_5C_9H_6)_2Sm(THF)_2>(C_5H_9C_9H_6)_2Yb(THF)_2>KSm(C_5H_9C_9H_6)_3(THF)_3>(PhCH_2C_9H_6)_2Sm(THF)_2. The reactivity ratio of the copolymerization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate catalyzed by the substituted indenyl lanthanide (Ⅱ) complex (C_5H_9C_9H_6)_2Yb(THF)_2 (r_1=0.98, r_2=0.71) were measured.

Polybutylacrylate/poly(methyl methacrylate) Core-Shell Elastic Particles as Epoxy Resin Toughener: Part I Design and Preparation

Polybutylacrylate (PBA)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) core-shell elastic particles (CSEP), whose rubbery core diameter ranged from 0.08 μm to 1.38μm, were synthesized by using conventional emulsion polymerization, multi-step emulsion polymerization, and soapless polymerization. Allyl methacylate (ALMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were selected as crosslinking reagents for core polymerization. Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used as functional co-monomer with methyl methacrylate as shell component. The content of vinyl groups in PBA rubbery core increased with the amount of crosslinking reagents. The core-shell ratio affected great on the morphology of the complex particles. Furthermore, the amounts of carboxyl on the surface of core-shell particles, copolymerized with acrylic acid, were determined by potentiometric titration. Results showed that methylacrylic acid was distributed mostly on the surface of particles.

Evaluation of three-dimensional biofilms on antibacterial bonding agents containing novel quaternary ammonium methacrylates

Antibacterial adhesives are promising to inhibit biofilms and secondary caries. The objectives of this study were to synthesize and incorporate quaternary ammonium methacrylates into adhesives, and investigate the alkyl chain length effects on three-dimensional biofilms adherent on adhesives for the first time. Six quaternary ammonium methacrylates with chain lengths of 3, 6, 9, 12, 16 and 18 were synthesized and incorporated into Scotchbond Multi-Purpose. Streptococcus mutans bacteria were cultured on resin to form biofilms. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to measure biofilm thickness, live/dead volumes and live-bacteria percentage vs. distance from resin surface. Biofilm thickness was the greatest for Scotchbond control; it decreased with increasing chain length, reaching a minimum at chain length 16. Live-biofilm volume had a similar trend. Dead-biofilm volume increased with increasing chain length. The adhesive with chain length 9 had 37% live bacteria near resin surface, but close to 100% live bacteria in the biofilm top section. For chain length 16, there were nearly 0% live bacteria throughout the three-dimensional biofilm. In conclusion, strong antibacterial activity was achieved by adding quaternary ammonium into adhesive, with biofilm thickness and live-biofilm volume decreasing as chain length was increased from 3 to 16. Antibacterial adhesives typically only inhibited bacteria close to its surface; however, adhesive with chain length 16 had mostly dead bacteria in the entire three-dimensional biofilm. Antibacterial adhesive with chain length 16 is promising to inhibit biofilms at the margins and combat secondary caries.

Genotoxic and Nongenotoxic Effects of Glycidyl Methacrylate on Human Lung Fibroblast Cells

Objective To evaluate the genotoxic and nongenotoxic effects of short-term exposure to glycidyl mathacrylate (GMA) on human lung fibroblast cells (2BS cells) in vitro. Methods DNA strand breakage was determined by single cell gel electrophoresis, and DNA ladder formation assay and flow cytometric analysis were carried out to detect apoptic responses of cells to GMA exposure. The HPRT gene mutation assay was used to evaluate the mutagenicity, and the effect of GMA on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in the exposed cells was examined with the scrape loading/dye transfer technique. The ability of GMA to transform 2BS cells was also tested by an in vitro cell transformation assay. Results Exposure to GMA resulted in a dose-dependent increase in DNA strand breaks but not apoptic responses. GMA was also shown to significantly induce HPRT gene mutations and morphological transformation in 2BS cells in vitro. In contrast, GMA produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of GJIC. Conclusions GMA elicits both genotoxic and nongenotoxic effects on 2BS cells in vitro. The induction of DNA damage and gene mutations and inhibition of GJIC by GMA may casually contribute to GMA-induced cell transformation.

SYNTHETIC STUDIES ON BLOOD COMPATIBLE BIOMATERIALSⅡ. SYNTHESIS OF POLY(ETHYLENEGLYCOL MONOMETHYLLTHER ) METHACRYLATE AND ANTITHROMBOGENICITY OF ITS COPOLYMERS

Poly （ethyleneglycol monomethylether） methacrylate （PEGMM）was synthesized by means of the reaction of methacrylyl chloride with sodium monomethylpolyethyleneglycoxide and was characterized by FTIR,;H-NMR,and ultraviolet spectrometries. A series of poly （vinyl alcohol）-graft-PEGMM （PVA-g-PEGMM ）and methyl methacrylate-PEGMM copolymer （PMMA-PEGMM） were prepared and tested for antithrombogenicity in vitro. The results indicate that the antithrombogenicity of the copolymers basically increases with the increasing of the DP of polyoxyethylene （POE） chain and tends to a plateau after the DP around 114,i.e. the long chain structure of POE is favourable to the antithrombogenicityof its copolymers ;moreover, the extent of the improvement ofantithrombogenicity also relates to the PEGMM content of the copolymers and the kind of the matrix that the POE chains are located on. These results are consistent with the anticipation of the hypothesis of maintaining proteins normal conformations for blood compatible bioraaterials.

Primer containing dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate kills bacteria impregnated in human dentin blocks

Antibacterial dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate （DMADDM） was recently synthesized. The objectives of this study were to： （1） investigate antibacterial activity of DMADDM-containing primer on Streptococcus mutans impregnated into dentin blocks for the first time, and （2） compare the antibacterial efficacy of DMADDM with a previous quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate （QADM）. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose （SBMP） bonding agent was used. DMADDM and QADM were mixed into SBMP primer. Six primers were tested： SBMP control primer P, P＋2.5% DMADDM, P＋5% DMADDM, P＋7.5% DMADDM, P＋10% DMADDM, and P＋10% QADM. S. mutans were impregnated into human dentin blocks, and each primer was applied to dentin to test its ability to kill bacteria in dentinal tubules. Bacteria in dentin were collected via a sonication method, and the colony-forming units （CFU） and inhibition zones were measured. The bacterial inhibition zone of P＋10% DMADDM was 10 times that of control primer （P〈0.05）. CFU in dentin with P＋10% DMADDM was reduced by three orders of magnitude, compared with control. DMADDM had a much stronger antibacterial effect than QADM, and antibacterial efficacy increased with increasing DMADDM concentration. Dentin shear bond strengths were similar among all groups （P〉0.1）. In conclusion, antibacterial DMADDM-containing primer was validated to kill bacteria inside dentin blocks, possessing a much stronger antibacterial potency than the previous QADM. DMADDM-containing bonding agent was effective in eradicating bacteria in dentin, and its efficacy was directly proportional to DMADDM mass fraction. Therefore, DMADDM may be promisine for use in bonding agents as well as in other restorative and oreventive materials to inhibit bacteria.

MONOMER REACTIVITY RATIO AND THERMAL PERFORMANCE OFα-METHYL STYRENE AND GLYCIDYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMERS

Synthesis and characterization of the copolymers （PAG） of α-methyl styrene （AMS） and glycidyl methacrylate （GMA） are presented. The copolymers of PAG were characterized by gel permeation chromatography （GPC）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）, nuclear magnetic resonance （^1H-NMR） and thermogravimetery （TG）. Based on the copolymer compositions determined by ^1H-NMR, the reactivity ratios of AMS and GMA were found to be 0.105 ± 0.012 and 0.883 ± 0.046 respectively by Kelen-Tudos method. TG revealed that thermal stability of the copolymers decreased with increasing the AMS content in the copolymers, which indicated that the degradation was mainly caused by the chain scission of AMS-containing structures. Under heating, the copolymers depolymerize at their weak bonds and form chain radicals, which could further initiate other chemical reactions.

Novel ionic liquids as reaction medium for atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate

Atom transfer radical polymerization （ATRP） of methyl methacrylate （MMA） employing ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate （EBiB）/ CuBr as the initiating system was investigated at 50 ℃ in the absence of any additional ligand in the three room temperature ionic liquids （RTILs）, 1-methyl-imidazolium acetate （[mim][CH3COO]）, 1-methylimidazolium propionate （[mim][CH3CH2COO]） and 1-methylimidazolium butyrate （[mim][CH3CH2CH2COO]）, respectively. All the polymerization in the three RTILs proceeded in a well-controlled manner. The sequence of the apparent polymerization rate constants was kapp（[mim][CH3COO]） 〉 kapp（[mim] [CH3CH2COO]） 〉 kapp （[mim][CH3CH2CH2COO]）.

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF MICROPOROUS POLYPROPYLENE MEMBRANES BY GRAFT POLYMERIZATION OF N,N-DIMETHYLAMINOETHYL METHACRYLATE

Surface modification of microporous polypropylene hollow fiber membranes was performed by radical-induced graft polymerization of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The influences of temperature, monomer concentration and pre-adsorbed amount of benzoyl peroxide on grafting degree were studied respectively. It was found that the appropriate graft temperature was 75 'C, at which the grafting degree was the highest and the hydrolytic decomposition of DMAEMA the lowest. Scanning electron photomicrography and the average pore diameters of the modified membranes demonstrated that part of the micropores on the membrane surface was plugged by the grafted polyDMAEMA chains, especially at high grafting degree. Contact angle and water swelling experiments showed that a moderate grafting degree could improve the hydrophilicity of the membranes. In the range of 11.3%-12.0% grafting degree, the water swelling percentage reached its maximum (51.1%) and the contact angle reached its minimum (74 degrees). The bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption experiment indicated that the grafted polyDMAEMA had a dual effect on protein adsorption. At the first stage, the BSA adsorption decreased with increasing of DMAEMA grafting degree. As the interaction between BSA and polyDMAEMA on membrane surface increased, the BSA adsorption increased with increasing of DMAEMA grafting degree.

Injectable bioactive polymethyl methacrylate-hydrogel hybrid bone cement loaded with BMP-2 to improve osteogenesis for percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Poly methyl methacrylate(PMMA)bone cement is used in augmenting and stabilizing fractured vertebral bodies through percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)and percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP).However,applications of PMMA bone cement are limited by the high elasticity modulus of PMMA,its low biodegradability,and its limited ability to regenerate bone.To improve PMMA bio activity and biodegradability and to modify its elasticity modulus,we mixed PMMA bone cement with oxidized hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl chitosan in situ cross-linking hydrogel loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)to achieve novel hybrid cement.These fabric ated PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements exhibited lower setting temperatures,a lower elasticity modulus,and better biodegradability and biocompatibility than that of pure PMMA cement,while retaining acceptable setting times,mechanical strength,and inj ectability.In addition,we detected release of BMP-2 from the PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements,significantly enhancing in vitro osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by up-regulating the gene expression of Runx2,Coll,and OPN.Use of PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements loaded with BMP-2 on rabbit femoral condyle bone-defect models revealed their biodegradability and enhanced bone formation.Our study demonstrated the favorable mechanical properties,biocompatibility,and biodegradability of fabricated PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements loaded with BMP-2,as well as their ability to improve osteogenesis,making them a promising material for use in PKP and PVP.

The Intermetallic Catalysts for Oxidative Esterification of Methacrolein to Methyl Methacrylate

A series of supported intermetallic Pb-Pb catalysts were prepared with the impregnation method by changing the support(silica,molecular sieve or γ-alumina)and the pore size.The chemical states of the two metals were characterized by XPS analysis,the process for producing methyl methacrylate based on the direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein with methanol in the presence of oxygen was performed in a slurry reactor with the above-mentioned catalysts.The influence of the calcination temperature and the kinds of support as well as the pore size on catalytic activity had been extensively investigated.Under the conditions of temperature at 80℃,catalyst 3.8%(ω)and the reaction time 2 h,the conversion rate of methacrolein reached 85%,the selectivity and the yield of methyl methacrylate were 90% and 76.5%,respectively.

Experimental and density functional theory computational evaluation of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam-co-butyl methacrylate) kinetic hydrate inhibitors

Natural gas hydrate inhibitor has been serving the oil and gas industry for many years. The development and search for new inhibitors remain the focus of research. In this study, the solution polymerization method was employed to prepare poly(N-vinyl caprolactam-co-butyl methacrylate)(P(VCap-BMA)), as a new kinetic hydrate inhibitor(KHI). The inhibition properties of P(VCap-BMA) were investigated by tetrahydrofuran(THF) hydrate testing and natural gas hydrate forming and compared with the commercial KHIs. The experiment showed that PVCap performed better than copolymer P(VCap-BMA). However,low doses of methanol or ethylene glycol are compounded with KHIs. The compounding inhibitors show a synergistic inhibitory effect. More interesting is the P(VCap-BMA)-methanol system has a better inhibitory effect than the PVCap-methanol system. 1% P(VCap-BMA) + 5% methanol presented the best inhibiting performance at subcooling 10.3 °C, the induction time of natural gas hydrate was 445 min.Finally, the interaction between water and several dimeric inhibitors compared by natural bond orbital(NBO) analyses and density functional theory(DFT) indicated that inhibitor molecules were able to form the hydrogen bond with the water molecules, which result in gas hydrate inhibition. These exciting properties make the P(VCap-BMA) compound hydrate inhibitor promising candidates for numerous applications in the petrochemical industry.

Experimental Study on Malignant Transformation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Induced by Glycidyl Methacrylate and Analysis on its Methylation

Objective To establish the model of human bronchial epithelial cells （16HBE） malignant transformation induced by glycidyl methacrylate （GMA） and define the different methylation genes at different stages. Methods DNA was extracted at different 16HBE malignant phases and methylation at different stages were detected using Methylation chip of Promoter Microarray Methylation＇. Methylation-specific PCR （MSP） was methylation status of some genes, and then compared with the control groups. changes of genes DNA ＇NimbleGen HG18 CpG used to observe the Results The result showed that GMA induced 16HBE morphorlogical transformation at the dose of 8 I^g/mL, and cell exposed to GMA had 1 374 genes in protophase, 825 genes in metaphase, 1 149 genes in anaphase, respectively; 30 genes are all methylation in the 3 stages; 318 genes in protophase but not in metaphase and anaphase; 272 genes in metaphase but not in protophase and anaphase; 683 genes in anaphase but not in metaphase and protophase; 73 genes in protophase and metaphase but not in anaphase; 67 genes in protophase and anaphase but not in metaphase; 59 genes in metaphase and anaphase but not in protophase. Conclusion The pattern of DNA methylation could change in the process of 16HBE induced by GMA.

AN ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY STUDY ON THE AGGREGATION OF ISOTACTIC POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE)

Aggregation process of isotactic poly（methyl methacrylate） （i-PMMA） has been studied extensively for many years, and considerable progress has been made in both experimental and theoretical studies. They are, however, seldom sustained by real-space observations of the underlying morphology. In this paper, the aggregation process of i-PMMA in concentrated acetone solutions and the fractal structure of the resulting three-dimensional clusters were characterized on the basis of real-space AFM observations of their two-dimensional projection. It was found that spherical multiple-chain particles formed upon collapse and aggregation of the involving chains as a whole during quenching the solution to room temperature. By keeping the solution at room temperature, the initially formed particles stick together upon contact to form larger particles through reassembling very slowly. The succeeding collision of the enlarged spherical particles leads to the formation of small clusters. These newly formed small clusters grow when they meet with other clusters or single Brownian particles. This leads to the formation of large clusters with fractal dimension of 1.95 ± 0.05, which suggest a reaction-limited cluster aggregation of i-PMMA in a concentrated acetone solution. This is in accordance with the conclusion obtained by light scattering measurements.