Plants to Polyelectrolytes: Theophylline Polymers and their Microsphere Synthesis

TL;DR

This paper presents the synthesis of a novel cationic polymer derived from the natural product theophylline, demonstrating its potential for creating narrowly dispersed microspheres, thus advancing bio-derived polymer applications.

Contribution

First synthesis of a cationic poly(theophylline) from a natural plant alkaloid, enabling new bio-based polymer functionalities.

Findings

Successfully synthesized cationic poly(theophylline)

Created narrowly dispersed microspheres from the polymer

Demonstrated potential for sustainable polymer production

Abstract

To extend fossil oil supplies, sustainable feed stocks for the production of useful reagents and polymers should be harnessed. In this regard, chemicals derived from plants are excellent candidates. While the vast majority of plant sources used for polymer science only contain CxHyOz, alkaloids such as caffeine, nicotine, and theophylline possess nitrogen functionality that can provide new functions for bio-derived polymers and their synthesis. In this context, we exploited the chemistry of theophylline, a natural product found in chocolate and tea, to create a cationic poly(theophylline) in a straightforward fashion for the first time. We demonstrate how this new polymer can be synthesized and used for the creation of narrowly disperse cationic microspheres.