Polymer synthesis is the process of creating a long chain of thousands of repeating monomers, smaller units of covalently bonded molecules. Synthetic polymers are vital for modern life, forming the basis of materials used in everything from plastics, textiles, electronics, medical equipment and more. One of the most interesting aspects of polymer synthesis is that materials can be designed with specific properties with a wide variety of characteristics. Factors such as branching, molecular weight, chemical composition can all be adjusted to create unique polymers with varying thermal, mechanical or chemical resistant properties. The limitless potential and flexibility enables polymers to be used in many applications.
At Symeres/Organix, we bring cutting-edge expertise to the world of polymer chemistry since the 90’s, providing tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Whether your project involves developing novel polymer materials, functionalizing existing polymers, or exploring advanced drug delivery systems, our state-of-the-art facilities and skilled scientists are here to deliver exceptional results.
Custom Polymer Synthesis and Development
Within our R&D polymer chemistry projects, we excel in crafting polymers with defined property profiles, working hand-in-hand with clients to develop groundbreaking solutions. Our scientists possess deep expertise in a variety of polymerization methods, including:
- Free-radical polymerization
- Ring-opening polymerization
- Ionic polymerization
- Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)
To meet the unique needs of our clients, we focus on polymer-analogous transformations and sophisticated polymer modifications. Drawing on our deep expertise in organic synthesis, we can customize monomers to integrate specific functional groups, enabling polymers to deliver superior performance while adhering to the highest quality standards.
Innovations in Polymer Nanoparticles (PNPs)
We are at the forefront of polymer nanomedicine, focusing on the development of polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) as a revolutionary alternative to lipid nanoparticles for mRNA and ssDNA encapsulation. Compared to traditional systems, PNPs offer reduced toxicity and lower potential for liver accumulation, making them an exciting option in drug delivery innovations.
Building Blocks for Polymer Nanoparticles
While we do not directly manufacture nanoparticles, our expertise lies in creating the essential polymer building blocks for their formation. This includes advanced materials for encapsulating therapeutic agents like mRNA and single-strand-interfering DNA (ssDNA).
Advanced Characterization and Purification
Ensuring the quality and performance of synthesized polymers is central to our work. To achieve this, we employ a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques that provide critical insights into key polymer characteristics, including molecular weight distribution (Mw, Mn, Mp, Mz), polydispersity (PDI), and structural integrity. These detailed analyses deliver essential data for preclinical testing and drug delivery applications, ensuring the highest quality outcomes.
To ensure the quality and functionality of polymer nanoparticles, we employ cutting-edge techniques such as:
- Tangential Flow Chromatography (TFF): Ideal for purifying water-soluble polymers, desalting proteins, and purifying bio-polymer conjugates.
- Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC): A powerful tool for characterizing molecular weight variations and detecting monomer contamination.
- Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC): For ensuring high-purity polymer solutions.
Effective Drying and Fresh Solvent Use
To ensure the precision of polymer production, we utilize meticulous drying techniques and fresh, anhydrous solvents, preventing bimodal distribution and enabling removal of low molecular weight polymers through precipitation or TFF.
Driving Innovations in Polymer Nanomedicine
At Symeres/Organix, we are passionate about driving advancements in polymer-based drug delivery systems. By pushing the boundaries of radical polymerization techniques, such as the polymerization of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) conjugates, and leveraging RAFT polymerization, we provide a comprehensive range of polymer solutions tailored to your specific applications. Indeed, our contributions to this field were recently acknowledged in a publication by our client (see the polymer structure below). For details, please, read this article: Mol Cancer Ther (2024) 23 (5): 595–605.
Our work contributes to the rapidly evolving field of nanomedicine advancements, highlighting the practical utilization of polymer nanoparticles in smart drug delivery systems. With GMP-grade solutions now available, Symeres/Organix is ready to partner with you to realize the full potential of polymer innovations.
Partner with Symeres/Organix for your next polymer chemistry project. Together, we’ll drive innovation and deliver results that exceed expectations.
