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Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 28, 2015
Polymerizable gemini surfactants at solid/solution interfaces: adsorption and polymerization on melamine formaldehyde
Kenichi Sakai1, Keiko Izumi, Hideki Sakai
1Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry in Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan. k-sakai@rs.noda.tus.ac.jp
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|December 25, 2009
Summary
New organic capsules were created using a polymerizable gemini surfactant. These smart vehicles respond to ionic strength changes and can capture and release glucose, showing potential for drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Gemini surfactants offer unique properties due to their dual hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads.
- Stimulus-responsive materials are crucial for advanced applications like targeted delivery and controlled release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate novel organic capsules using a polymerizable gemini surfactant.
- To investigate the structural and responsive properties of these capsules.
- To evaluate their potential as smart vehicles for substance encapsulation and release.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of capsules via a three-step process involving surfactant adsorption, in situ photo-polymerization, and core dissolution.
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for analyzing capsule size and response to ionic strength.
- Investigation of glucose encapsulation and release under varying electrolyte concentrations.
Main Results:
- The polymerizable gemini surfactant (PC11-6-11) formed a closely packed layer on melamine formaldehyde (MF) particles.
- In situ photo-polymerization created a polymer thin film after MF core dissolution.
- Capsule hydrodynamic diameter reversibly changed with ionic strength, indicating deswelling at high concentrations.
- Glucose encapsulation occurred at high electrolyte concentrations, with gradual release upon dilution.
Conclusions:
- The fabricated PC11-6-11 capsules exhibit stimulus-responsive behavior based on ionic strength.
- The capsules demonstrate controlled capture and release of glucose.
- These smart capsules hold promise as versatile vehicles for various applications, including drug delivery.
