Unique properties of amphiphilic POSS and their applications

Our recent studies on advanced materials based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized with polar substituents are reviewed. First, the effects on the thermal properties of ion pairs after tethering to POSS are demonstrated. A decrease in the melting temperature and an increase in the decomposition temperature of the ion pairs were simultaneously achieved after POSS was modified with these ion pairs. The effects of the structural features of POSS on the thermal properties of ionic pairs in such compounds are explained. Next, selective encapsulation of bioactive molecules using POSS-core dendrimers is described. The binding affinity of bio-active molecules was enhanced through the formation of hydrogen bonds with POSS-core dendrimers, and this enhancement was achieved by utilizing the amphiphilic properties of POSS-core dendrimers. The system design concept and the results are explained. Finally, we introduce the unique optical properties that can be induced in dyes through encapsulation in POSS-core dendrimers, with a focus on the influence of the POSS core on the molecular rotation of the dye in the excited state. Polymer Journal (2013) 45, 247-254; doi:10.1038/pj.2012.154; published online 22 August 2012