Monodisperse, sequence-defined polymers can be potentially used for digital data storage. This study reports the sequence analysis and differentiation of monodisperse polyester copolymers carrying side chains functionalized in a specific order by polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles. Steglich esterification and succinic anhydride ring-opening chemistries were utilized iteratively to synthesize the intended sequences, which were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS2). Isomeric oligomers were readily distinguished based on their different fragmentation patterns. The sequences embedded in the oligomers were decrypted by their specific backbone dissociation pathways. The robustness of using MALDI-MS2 as a sequencing method for monodisperse synthetic macromolecules was assessed and validated by the characterization of longer oligomers.

中文翻译：

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通过 MALDI 串联质谱法分析单分散、序列定义和 POSS 功能化聚酯共聚物

单分散的、序列定义的聚合物可用于数字数据存储。本研究报告了单分散聚酯共聚物的序列分析和区分，该共聚物带有由多面体低聚倍半硅氧烷 (POSS) 纳米粒子以特定顺序官能化的侧链。Steglich 酯化和琥珀酸酐开环化学被反复用于合成预期序列，其特征在于基质辅助激光解吸电离串联质谱 (MALDI-MS2)。异构低聚物根据其不同的碎裂模式很容易区分。嵌入寡聚物中的序列通过其特定的骨架解离途径解密。