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Decoupled Thermo- and pH-Responsive Hydrogel Microspheres Cross-Linked by Rotaxane Networks
Takuma Kureha1, Daichi Aoki1, Seina Hiroshige1
1Graduate School of Textile Science & Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida Ueda, Nagano, 386-8567, Japan.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|October 11, 2017
Summary
New rotaxane cross-linked (RC) microgels offer independent temperature and pH responses. This breakthrough enables smart drug delivery systems that maintain functionality even with charged molecules present, crucial for in vivo applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Conventional responsive microgels often rely on charged monomers, limiting their use in environments with ions.
- Existing thermo- and pH-responsive microgels can interfere with charged functional molecules like dyes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel rotaxane cross-linked (RC) microgels with decoupled thermo- and pH-responsive volume transitions.
- To enable microgel functionality in the presence of charged species for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized rotaxane cross-linked microgels.
- Investigated pH-induced changes in cyclodextrin aggregation states within the networks.
- Evaluated microgel swelling capacity and thermal response.
Main Results:
- Achieved microgels with independent control over thermal and pH-induced volume changes.
- Demonstrated that RC microgels retain their temperature responsiveness despite the presence of charged functional molecules.
- pH control was achieved by modulating the aggregation state of cyclodextrin within the RC network.
Conclusions:
- Rotaxane cross-linking provides a novel strategy for creating decoupled responsive microgels.
- These RC microgels are suitable for applications requiring stable smart functions in ionic environments, such as drug delivery.
- The findings pave the way for advanced biomaterials and controlled release systems.