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Revision as of 18:40, 14 December 2024 by Nikizai (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Polyampholytes are polymers that contain both positively charged (cationic) and negatively charged (anionic) functional groups within the same molecule. Their unique structure allows them to exhibit amphoteric behavior, meaning they can interact with a range of substances depending on the surrounding pH, making them useful in applications like drug delivery, water treatment, and biomaterials.
The isoelectric point (pH_IEP) of polyampholytes is the pH at which the polymer exhibits no net charge, balancing its positive and negative charges. This point is important because it dictates the net charge of polyampholyte macromolecules at different pH levels. At pH < pH_IEP, the macromolecules carry a positive charge, while at pH > pH_IEP, they acquire a negative charge. At pH = pH_IEP, polyampholytes are neutral. Under these conditions, they may show minimal viscosity in solutions or lose solubility and precipitate.
Proteins are a class of natural polyampholytes, as they contain both positively and negatively charged amino acid residues within their structure. These charges are influenced by the pH of the surrounding environment, which determines the overall charge of the protein. The presence of both acidic (anionic) and basic (cationic) residues allows proteins to interact with various charged species, making them versatile in biological processes.
References
- "Polyampholytes in Advanced Polymer Science and Emerging Technologies". Routledge & CRC Press. Retrieved 2024-12-14.