Plug-in spectrometry with optical fibers as a novel analytical tool for nanoparticles technology: Application to the investigation of the emulsion polymerization of the alkylcyanoacrylate

This paper advances a simple technique to follow, in situ, the emulsion polymerization of isobutylcyanoacrylate (IBCA) performed in different conditions. The method is based on the monitoring of the optical density of the polymerization medium using a plug-in spectrometer equipped with optical fibers since during polymerization the optical density of the medium increases. The technique is demonstrated using poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles developed as carrier for the delivery of drugs in vivo. These nanoparticles are produced by emulsion polymerization of alkylcyanoacrylates (ACA) which are among the highest reactive monomers. The results showed that the spontaneous anionic polymerization of IBCA induced by water could be controlled at pH 1. It was initiated after a delay whereas an immediate and extremely rapid polymerization could be monitored when it was initiated using a combination of cerium IV and dextran allowing the radical polymerization to occur. At higher pH, the spontaneous anionic polymerization could not be controlled. The method developed in this study appeared suitable to monitor emulsion polymerization of ACA and to highlight different mechanisms of polymerization.