Modeling particle scattering structure factor for branched bio-inspired polymers in solution: A small angle X-ray scattering study

We present a study which illustrates the modeling of the Particle Scattering Structure Factor of an hyperbranched biopolymer in water solution using the Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) data. The studied sample was a sodium carboxilate terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (generation 2.5) dispersed in water medium. The experimental inter-dendrimer structure factor S(q) has been analyzed in the framework of liquid integral equation theory for charged systems in solution. From that, we derive an effective interparticle interaction composed of a screened Coulombic plus hard-sphere repulsion potential, which allows the estimation of the dendrimer effective charge Zeff. The present analysis strongly supports the finding that structures and interaction of dendrimer are strongly influenced by charge effects. As a result, this quantity can be considered as a crucial parameter for the modulation of the degree of structural organization in solution, suitable for a number of potential applications. We conclude our form factor analysis with the investigation of the long-range assembly conditions during the growth of the intermediate nanoaggregates generated by the inclusion of aluminosilicate components of zeolite 13X on the surface of dendrimers.

► Small Angle X-ray Scattering Structure Factor analysis of hyperbranched biopolymer. ► Modeling interparticle interaction with screened Coulombic and hard-sphere repulsion. ► Growth of nanoaggregates generated by inclusion of zeolite 13X components on dendrimers. ► Analysis of the long-range assembly conditions and fractal structure.