Requirements for generating sigmoidal time-course aggregation in nucleation-dependent polymerization model
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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Controlled Synthesis and Fluorescence Tracking of Highly Uniform Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgels
Published on: September 8, 2016
1Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan. m.kodaka@aist.go.jp
Abstract:
Requirements for generating remarkable sigmoidal time-course of aggregation are found in the nucleation-dependent polymerization model by a numerical calculation method; i.e. there are optimum values of the kinetic constants to afford prominent sigmoidal character by inducing slightly unfavorable nucleation. However, if the nucleus formation is too unfavorable, sigmoidal character is again decreased. This result is in contrast to the generally accepted idea that sigmoid is induced by thermodynamically unfavorable nucleation phase.
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