Stimuli-Responsive Gels

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2017) | Viewed by 137402

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Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Paderborn, Warburger Str. 100, D-33098 Paderborn, Germany
Interests: controlled polymer synthesis; polymer characterization; smart polymers; hydrolgels; actuators and sensors
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Dear Colleagues,

Although the technological and scientific importances of functional polymers have been well established over the last few decades, the most recent focus that has attracted much attention concerns stimuli-responsive polymer gels. These materials are of particular interest due to their abilities to respond to internal and/or external chemico-physical stimuli; such responses are often large and macroscopic. Aside from the scientific challenges of designing stimuli-responsive polymer gels, the main technological interests concern numerous applications, ranging from catalysis in microsystem technology and chemomechanical actuators to sensors. Since the phase transition phenomenon of hydrogels is theoretically well understood, advanced materials based on predictions can be prepared. Since the volume phase transition of hydrogels is a diffusion-limited process, the size of the synthesized hydrogels is an important factor. Consistent downscaling of the gel size will result in fast smart gels with sufficient response times. To apply smart gels in microsystems and sensors, new preparation techniques for hydrogels have to be developed. For upcoming nanotechnology, nano-sized gels as actuating materials would be of great interest. Finally, new design concepts for tough polymer gels are of interest for overcoming the mechanical shortcomings of conventional gels.

Prof. Dirk Kuckling
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • stimuli-responsiveness
  • cross-linking
  • response time
  • mechanical properties
  • applications
  • pH-sensitive
  • temperature sensitive
  • mechanical stress sensitive
  • multi-stimuli responsiveness

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Published Papers (18 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 174 KiB  
Editorial
Stimuli-Responsive Gels
by Dirk Kuckling
Gels 2018, 4(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels4030060 - 09 Jul 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3734
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)

Research

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15 pages, 8774 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Responsive Hydrogel-Coated Gold Nanoshells
by Hye Hun Park, La-ongnuan Srisombat, Andrew C. Jamison, Tingting Liu, Maria D. Marquez, Hansoo Park, Sungbae Lee, Tai-Chou Lee and T. Randall Lee
Gels 2018, 4(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels4020028 - 26 Mar 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5375
Abstract
Gold nanoshells (~160 nm in diameter) were encapsulated within a shell of temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (P(NIPAM-co-AA)) using a surface-bound rationally-designed free radical initiator in water for the development of a photothermally-induced drug-delivery system. The morphologies of the [...] Read more.
Gold nanoshells (~160 nm in diameter) were encapsulated within a shell of temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (P(NIPAM-co-AA)) using a surface-bound rationally-designed free radical initiator in water for the development of a photothermally-induced drug-delivery system. The morphologies of the resultant hydrogel-coated nanoshells were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the temperature-responsive behavior of the nanoparticles was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The diameter of the P(NIPAM-co-AA) encapsulated nanoshells decreased as the solution temperature was increased, indicating a collapse of the hydrogel layer with increasing temperatures. In addition, the optical properties of the composite nanoshells were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of the hydrogel-coated nanoshells appeared at ~800 nm, which lies within the tissue-transparent range that is important for biomedical applications. Furthermore, the periphery of the particles was conjugated with the model protein avidin to modify the hydrogel-coated nanoshells with a fluorescent-tagged biotin, biotin-4-fluorescein (biotin-4-FITC), for colorimetric imaging/monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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2076 KiB  
Article
Development of Novel N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) Based Hydrogels with Varying Content of Chrysin Multiacrylate
by Shuo Tang, Martha Floy, Rohit Bhandari, Thomas Dziubla and J. Zach Hilt
Gels 2017, 3(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels3040040 - 22 Oct 2017
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5835
Abstract
A series of novel temperature responsive hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization with varying content of chrysin multiacrylate (ChryMA). The goal was to study the impact of this novel polyphenolic-based multiacrylate on the properties of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) hydrogels. The temperature responsive [...] Read more.
A series of novel temperature responsive hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization with varying content of chrysin multiacrylate (ChryMA). The goal was to study the impact of this novel polyphenolic-based multiacrylate on the properties of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) hydrogels. The temperature responsive behavior of the copolymerized gels was characterized by swelling studies, and their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was characterized through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was shown that the incorporation of ChryMA decreased the swelling ratios of the hydrogels and shifted their LCSTs to a lower temperature. Gels with different ChryMA content showed different levels of response to temperature change. Higher content gels had a broader phase transition and smaller temperature response, which could be attributed to the increased hydrophobicity being introduced by the ChryMA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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3213 KiB  
Article
Peptide Drug Release Behavior from Biodegradable Temperature-Responsive Injectable Hydrogels Exhibiting Irreversible Gelation
by Kazuyuki Takata, Hiroki Takai, Yuta Yoshizaki, Takuya Nagata, Keisuke Kawahara, Yasuyuki Yoshida, Akinori Kuzuya and Yuichi Ohya
Gels 2017, 3(4), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels3040038 - 15 Oct 2017
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7195
Abstract
We investigated the release behavior of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from a biodegradable injectable polymer (IP) hydrogel. This hydrogel shows temperature-responsive irreversible gelation due to the covalent bond formation through a thiol-ene reaction. In vitro sustained release of GLP-1 from an irreversible IP formulation [...] Read more.
We investigated the release behavior of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from a biodegradable injectable polymer (IP) hydrogel. This hydrogel shows temperature-responsive irreversible gelation due to the covalent bond formation through a thiol-ene reaction. In vitro sustained release of GLP-1 from an irreversible IP formulation (F(P1/D+PA40)) was observed compared with a reversible (physical gelation) IP formulation (F(P1)). Moreover, pharmaceutically active levels of GLP-1 were maintained in blood after subcutaneous injection of the irreversible IP formulation into rats. This system should be useful for the minimally invasive sustained drug release of peptide drugs and other water-soluble bioactive reagents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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5280 KiB  
Article
Tuning the Size of Thermoresponsive Poly(N-Isopropyl Acrylamide) Grafted Silica Microgels
by Nils Nun, Stephan Hinrichs, Martin A. Schroer, Dina Sheyfer, Gerhard Grübel and Birgit Fischer
Gels 2017, 3(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels3030034 - 17 Sep 2017
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5608
Abstract
Core-shell microgels were synthesized via a free radical emulsion polymerization of thermoresponsive poly-(N-isopropyl acrylamide), pNipam, on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Pure pNipam microgels have a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of about 32 °C. The LCST varies slightly with the [...] Read more.
Core-shell microgels were synthesized via a free radical emulsion polymerization of thermoresponsive poly-(N-isopropyl acrylamide), pNipam, on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Pure pNipam microgels have a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of about 32 °C. The LCST varies slightly with the crosslinker density used to stabilize the gel network. Including a silica core enhances the mechanical robustness. Here we show that by varying the concentration gradient of the crosslinker, the thermoresponsive behaviour of the core-shell microgels can be tuned. Three different temperature scenarios have been detected. First, the usual behaviour with a decrease in microgel size with increasing temperature exhibiting an LCST; second, an increase in microgel size with increasing temperature that resembles an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), and; third, a decrease with a subsequent increase of size reminiscent of the presence of both an LCST, and a UCST. However, since the chemical structure has not been changed, the LCST should only change slightly. Therefore we demonstrate how to tune the particle size independently of the LCST. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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1538 KiB  
Communication
Self-Assembly of Colloidal Nanocomposite Hydrogels Using 1D Cellulose Nanocrystals and 2D Exfoliated Organoclay Layers
by Takumi Okamoto, Avinash J. Patil, Tomi Nissinen and Stephen Mann
Gels 2017, 3(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels3010011 - 17 Mar 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5159
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive colloidal nanocomposite hydrogels are prepared by exploiting non-covalent interactions between anionic cellulose nanocrystals and polycationic delaminated sheets of aminopropyl-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate clays. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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20022 KiB  
Article
Surface Morphology at the Microscopic Scale, Swelling/Deswelling, and the Magnetic Properties of PNIPAM/CMC and PNIPAM/CMC/Fe3O4 Hydrogels
by Marianna Uva and Andrea Atrei
Gels 2016, 2(4), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels2040030 - 13 Dec 2016
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5784
Abstract
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and CMC/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared. Free-radical polymerization with BIS as cross-linker was used to synthesize the hydrogels. The morphology at the microscopic scale of these materials was investigated using field emission scanning [...] Read more.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and CMC/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared. Free-radical polymerization with BIS as cross-linker was used to synthesize the hydrogels. The morphology at the microscopic scale of these materials was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The images show that CMC in the PNIPAM hydrogels induces the formation of a honeycomb structure. This surface morphology was not observed for pure PNIPAM hydrogels prepared under similar conditions. The equilibrium swelling degree of the PNIPAM/CMC hydrogels (5200%) is much larger than that of the pure PNIPAM hydrogels (2500%). The water retention of PNIPAM/CMC hydrogels above the volume phase transition temperature is strongly reduced compared to that of pure PNIPAM hydrogel. Both PNIPAM/Fe3O4 and PNIPAM/CMC/Fe3O4 hydrogels exhibit a superparamagnetic behavior, but the blocking temperature (104 K) of the former is higher than that of the latter (83 K). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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2424 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of New Functional Photo Cross-Linkable Smart Polymers Containing Vanillin Derivatives
by Momen S.A. Abdelaty and Dirk Kuckling
Gels 2016, 2(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels2010003 - 14 Jan 2016
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7451
Abstract
The synthesis of new functional monomers based on vanillin is reported. The monomers further were used in the synthesis of different temperature-responsive photo cross-linkable polymers via free radical polymerization with N-isopropyl acrylamide and a maleimide photo cross-linker. These polymers were characterized by [...] Read more.
The synthesis of new functional monomers based on vanillin is reported. The monomers further were used in the synthesis of different temperature-responsive photo cross-linkable polymers via free radical polymerization with N-isopropyl acrylamide and a maleimide photo cross-linker. These polymers were characterized by NMR, FTIR and UV spectroscopy, as well as gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Critical solution temperatures were determined by UV spectroscopy. Hydrogel thin films were formed by spin coating of a polymer solution over gold with adhesion promotor followed by cross-linking by UV irradiation. The swelling properties were determined by surface plasmon resonance coupled with optical waveguide spectroscopy. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel films was determined as a function of temperature. The incorporation of a dialkyl amino group compensated the hydrophobic effect of the vanillin monomer. Transition temperatures in the physiological range could be obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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3123 KiB  
Article
Precise Control over the Rheological Behavior of Associating Stimuli-Responsive Block Copolymer Gels
by Jérémy Brassinne, Flanco Zhuge, Charles-André Fustin and Jean-François Gohy
Gels 2015, 1(2), 235-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels1020235 - 07 Dec 2015
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6506
Abstract
“Smart” materials have considerably evolved over the last few years for specific applications. They rely on intelligent macromolecules or (supra-)molecular motifs to adapt their structure and properties in response to external triggers. Here, a supramolecular stimuli-responsive polymer gel is constructed from heterotelechelic double [...] Read more.
“Smart” materials have considerably evolved over the last few years for specific applications. They rely on intelligent macromolecules or (supra-)molecular motifs to adapt their structure and properties in response to external triggers. Here, a supramolecular stimuli-responsive polymer gel is constructed from heterotelechelic double hydrophilic block copolymers that incorporate thermo-responsive sequences. These macromolecular building units are synthesized via a three-step controlled radical copolymerization and then hierarchically assembled to yield coordination micellar hydrogels. The dynamic mechanical properties of this particular class of materials are studied in shear flow and finely tuned via temperature changes. Notably, rheological experiments show that structurally reinforcing the micellar network nodes leads to precise tuning of the viscoelastic response and yield behavior of the material. Hence, they constitute promising candidates for specific applications, such as mechano-sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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4303 KiB  
Article
Swelling Dynamics of a DNA-Polymer Hybrid Hydrogel Prepared Using Polyethylene Glycol as a Porogen
by Ming Gao, Kamila Gawel and Bjørn Torger Stokke
Gels 2015, 1(2), 219-234; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels1020219 - 18 Nov 2015
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8892
Abstract
DNA-polyacrylamide hybrid hydrogels designed with covalent and double-stranded (dsDNA) crosslinks respond to specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes by adapting new equilibrium swelling volume. The ssDNA probes need to be designed with a base pair sequence that is complementary to one of the strands [...] Read more.
DNA-polyacrylamide hybrid hydrogels designed with covalent and double-stranded (dsDNA) crosslinks respond to specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes by adapting new equilibrium swelling volume. The ssDNA probes need to be designed with a base pair sequence that is complementary to one of the strands in a dsDNA supported network junction. This work focuses on tuning the hydrogel swelling kinetics by introducing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a pore-forming agent. Adding PEG during the preparation of hydrogels, followed by removal after polymerization, has been shown to improve the swelling dynamics of DNA hybrid hydrogels upon specific ssDNA probe recognition. The presence of porogen did not influence the kinetics of osmotic pressure-driven (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid)-co-acrylamide (AMPSA-co-AAm) hydrogels’ swelling, which is in contrast to the DNA-sensitive hydrogels. The difference in the effect of using PEG as a porogen in these two cases is discussed in view of processes leading to the swelling of the gels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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1943 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Properties of New “Stimuli” Responsive Nanocomposite Hydrogels Containing Silver Nanoparticles
by G. Roshan Deen and Vivien Chua
Gels 2015, 1(1), 117-134; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels1010117 - 28 Aug 2015
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 5851
Abstract
Hydrogel nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles of size 15–21 nm were prepared by diffusion and in-situ chemical reduction in chemically crosslinked polymers based on N-acryloyl-N′-ethyl piperazine (AcrNEP) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). The polymer chains of the hydrogel network offered control and [...] Read more.
Hydrogel nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles of size 15–21 nm were prepared by diffusion and in-situ chemical reduction in chemically crosslinked polymers based on N-acryloyl-N′-ethyl piperazine (AcrNEP) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). The polymer chains of the hydrogel network offered control and stabilization of silver nanoparticles without the need for additional stabilizers. The presence of silver nanoparticles and their size was quantified by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The nanocomposite hydrogels were responsive to pH and temperature changes of the external environment. The equilibrium weight swelling ratio of the hydrogel nanocomposite was lower in comparison with the precursor hydrogel. Silver nanoparticles present in the nanocomposite offered additional physical crosslinking which influenced media diffusion and penetration velocity. The release of silver nanoparticles from the hydrogel matrix in response to external pH changes was studied. The rate of release of silver nanoparticles was higher in a solution of pH 2.5 due to maximum swelling caused by ionization of the gel network. No significant release of nanoparticles was observed in a solution of pH 7. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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Review

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37 pages, 5345 KiB  
Review
Functional Stimuli-Responsive Gels: Hydrogels and Microgels
by Coro Echeverria, Susete N. Fernandes, Maria H. Godinho, João Paulo Borges and Paula I. P. Soares
Gels 2018, 4(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels4020054 - 12 Jun 2018
Cited by 130 | Viewed by 11762
Abstract
One strategy that has gained much attention in the last decades is the understanding and further mimicking of structures and behaviours found in nature, as inspiration to develop materials with additional functionalities. This review presents recent advances in stimuli-responsive gels with emphasis on [...] Read more.
One strategy that has gained much attention in the last decades is the understanding and further mimicking of structures and behaviours found in nature, as inspiration to develop materials with additional functionalities. This review presents recent advances in stimuli-responsive gels with emphasis on functional hydrogels and microgels. The first part of the review highlights the high impact of stimuli-responsive hydrogels in materials science. From macro to micro scale, the review also collects the most recent studies on the preparation of hybrid polymeric microgels composed of a nanoparticle (able to respond to external stimuli), encapsulated or grown into a stimuli-responsive matrix (microgel). This combination gave rise to interesting multi-responsive functional microgels and paved a new path for the preparation of multi-stimuli “smart” systems. Finally, special attention is focused on a new generation of functional stimuli-responsive polymer hydrogels able to self-shape (shape-memory) and/or self-repair. This last functionality could be considered as the closing loop for smart polymeric gels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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13 pages, 1537 KiB  
Review
Stimuli-Responsive Cationic Hydrogels in Drug Delivery Applications
by G. Roshan Deen and Xian Jun Loh
Gels 2018, 4(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels4010013 - 01 Feb 2018
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 7615
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive, smart, intelligent, or environmentally sensitive polymers respond to changes in external stimuli such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, surfactants, pressure, light, biomolecules, and magnetic field. These materials are developed in various network architectures such as block copolymers, crosslinked hydrogels, nanogels, inter-penetrating networks, [...] Read more.
Stimuli-responsive, smart, intelligent, or environmentally sensitive polymers respond to changes in external stimuli such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, surfactants, pressure, light, biomolecules, and magnetic field. These materials are developed in various network architectures such as block copolymers, crosslinked hydrogels, nanogels, inter-penetrating networks, and dendrimers. Stimuli-responsive cationic polymers and hydrogels are an interesting class of “smart” materials that respond reversibly to changes in external pH. These materials have the ability to swell extensively in solutions of acidic pH and de-swell or shrink in solutions of alkaline pH. This reversible swelling-shrinking property brought about by changes in external pH conditions makes these materials useful in a wide range of applications such as drug delivery systems and chemical sensors. This article focuses mainly on the properties of these interesting materials and their applications in drug delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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3066 KiB  
Review
Thermoresponsive Gels
by M. Joan Taylor, Paul Tomlins and Tarsem S. Sahota
Gels 2017, 3(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels3010004 - 10 Jan 2017
Cited by 119 | Viewed by 16141
Abstract
Thermoresponsive gelling materials constructed from natural and synthetic polymers can be used to provide triggered action and therefore customised products such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine types as well as for other industries. Some materials give Arrhenius-type viscosity changes based on coil [...] Read more.
Thermoresponsive gelling materials constructed from natural and synthetic polymers can be used to provide triggered action and therefore customised products such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine types as well as for other industries. Some materials give Arrhenius-type viscosity changes based on coil to globule transitions. Others produce more counterintuitive responses to temperature change because of agglomeration induced by enthalpic or entropic drivers. Extensive covalent crosslinking superimposes complexity of response and the upper and lower critical solution temperatures can translate to critical volume temperatures for these swellable but insoluble gels. Their structure and volume response confer advantages for actuation though they lack robustness. Dynamic covalent bonding has created an intermediate category where shape moulding and self-healing variants are useful for several platforms. Developing synthesis methodology—for example, Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) and Atomic Transfer Radical Polymerisation (ATRP)—provides an almost infinite range of materials that can be used for many of these gelling systems. For those that self-assemble into micelle systems that can gel, the upper and lower critical solution temperatures (UCST and LCST) are analogous to those for simpler dispersible polymers. However, the tuned hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance plus the introduction of additional pH-sensitivity and, for instance, thermochromic response, open the potential for coupled mechanisms to create complex drug targeting effects at the cellular level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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5252 KiB  
Review
Responsive Hydrogels from Associative Block Copolymers: Physical Gelling through Polyion Complexation
by Christine M. Papadakis and Constantinos Tsitsilianis
Gels 2017, 3(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels3010003 - 01 Jan 2017
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7348
Abstract
The present review article highlights a specific class of responsive polymer-based hydrogels which are formed through association of oppositely charged polyion segments. The underpinning temporary three-dimensional network is constituted of hydrophilic chains (either ionic or neutral) physically crosslinked by ion pair formation arising [...] Read more.
The present review article highlights a specific class of responsive polymer-based hydrogels which are formed through association of oppositely charged polyion segments. The underpinning temporary three-dimensional network is constituted of hydrophilic chains (either ionic or neutral) physically crosslinked by ion pair formation arising from intermolecular polyionic complexation of oppositely charged repeating units (polyacid/polybase ionic interactions). Two types of hydrogels are presented: (i) hydrogels formed by triblock copolymers bearing oppositely charged blocks (block copolyampholytes), forming self-assembled networks; and (ii) hydrogels formed by co-assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte segments belonging to different macromolecules (either block copolymers or homopolyelectrolytes). Due to the weak nature of the involved polyions, these hydrogels respond to pH and are sensitive to the presence of salts. Discussing and evaluating their solution, rheological and structural properties in dependence on pH and ionic strength, it comes out that the hydrogel properties are tunable towards potential applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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10320 KiB  
Review
Stimuli-Responsive Assemblies for Sensing Applications
by Xue Li, Yongfeng Gao and Michael J. Serpe
Gels 2016, 2(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels2010008 - 16 Feb 2016
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6785
Abstract
Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm)-based hydrogels and hydrogel particles (microgels) have been extensively studied since their discovery a number of decades ago. While their utility seems to have no limit, this feature article is focused on their development and application for sensing small [...] Read more.
Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm)-based hydrogels and hydrogel particles (microgels) have been extensively studied since their discovery a number of decades ago. While their utility seems to have no limit, this feature article is focused on their development and application for sensing small molecules, macromolecules, and biomolecules. We highlight hydrogel/microgel-based photonic materials that have order in one, two, or three dimensions, which exhibit optical properties that depend on the presence and concentration of various analytes. A particular focus is put on one-dimensional materials developed in the Serpe Group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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1079 KiB  
Review
Stimuli Responsive Poly(Vinyl Caprolactam) Gels for Biomedical Applications
by Kummara Madhusudana Rao, Kummari Subba Venkata Krishna Rao and Chang-Sik Ha
Gels 2016, 2(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels2010006 - 25 Jan 2016
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 11953
Abstract
Poly(vinyl caprolactam) (PNVCL) is one of the most important thermoresponsive polymers because it is similar to poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide). PNVCL precipitates from aqueous solutions in a physiological temperature range (32–34 °C). The use of PNVCL instead of PNIPAM is considered advantageous because of the [...] Read more.
Poly(vinyl caprolactam) (PNVCL) is one of the most important thermoresponsive polymers because it is similar to poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide). PNVCL precipitates from aqueous solutions in a physiological temperature range (32–34 °C). The use of PNVCL instead of PNIPAM is considered advantageous because of the assumed lower toxicity of PNVCL. PNVCL copolymer gels are sensitive to external stimuli, such as temperature and pH; which gives them a wide range of biomedical applications and consequently attracts considerable scientific interest. This review focuses on the recent studies on PNVCL-based stimuli responsive three dimensional hydrogels (macro, micro, and nano) for biomedical applications. This review also covers the future outlooks of PNVCL-based gels for biomedical applications, particularly in the drug delivery field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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Other

4411 KiB  
Technical Note
Improved PNIPAAm-Hydrogel Photopatterning by Process Optimisation with Respect to UV Light Sources and Oxygen Content
by Sebastian Haefner, Mathias Rohn, Philipp Frank, Georgi Paschew, Martin Elstner and Andreas Richter
Gels 2016, 2(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels2010010 - 04 Mar 2016
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6888
Abstract
Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAm) hydrogels, known for their sensor and actuator capabilities, can be photolithographically structured for microsystem applications. For usage in microsystems, the preparation, and hence the characteristics, of these hydrogels (e.g., degree of swelling, size, cooperative diffusion coefficient) are key features, [...] Read more.
Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAm) hydrogels, known for their sensor and actuator capabilities, can be photolithographically structured for microsystem applications. For usage in microsystems, the preparation, and hence the characteristics, of these hydrogels (e.g., degree of swelling, size, cooperative diffusion coefficient) are key features, and have to be as reproducible as possible. A common method of hydrogel fabrication is free radical polymerisation using a thermally-initiated system or a photoinitiator system. Due to the reaction quenching by oxygen, the polymer solution has to be rinsed with protective inert gases like nitrogen or argon before the polymerisation process. In this paper, we focus on the preparation reproducibility of PNIPAAm hydrogels under different conditions, and investigate the influence of oxygen and the UV light source during the photopolymerisation process. The flushing of the polymer solution with inert gas is not sufficient for photostructuring approaches, so a glove box preparation resulting in better quality. Moreover, the usage of a wide-band UV light source yields higher reproducibility to the photostructuring process compared to a narrow-band UV source. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stimuli-Responsive Gels)
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