Double cross-linked supramolecular hydrogels with tunable properties based on host-guest interactions
Yunjiao Che1, Jens Gaitzsch2, Nikolai Liubimtsev1
1Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany. voit@ipfdd.de applhans@ipfdd.de and Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Organic Chemistry of Polymers, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
Soft Matter
|June 27, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrogel using polyacrylamide and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA) with tunable mechanical properties via supramolecular host-guest interactions. The system allows for on-demand modification of hydrogel strength and swelling behavior.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrogels are versatile materials with tunable properties.
- Controlling hydrogel mechanics is crucial for advanced applications.
- Supramolecular chemistry offers a pathway to dynamic material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel double cross-linked hydrogel system.
- To achieve on-demand tunable mechanical properties using supramolecular interactions.
- To investigate the influence of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA) chains on hydrogel behavior.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of vinyl-bearing PMOXA macromonomers functionalized with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-PMOXA) or adamantane (Ada-PMOXA).
- Characterization using 1H NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS, GPC, 2D NOESY NMR, and DLS.
- Integration of supramolecular bismacromonomers into a polyacrylamide hydrogel network.
- Rheological experiments to assess mechanical properties and swelling behavior.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and characterization of functionalized PMOXA macromonomers.
- Confirmation of supramolecular complexation between Ada-PMOXA and β-CD-PMOXA.
- Demonstration that supramolecular host-guest interactions significantly enhance the hydrogel's E-modulus.
- Observation that PMOXA chains influence swelling and mechanics, with tunable properties achieved by altering chain length or adding free β-CD.
Conclusions:
- A novel double cross-linked hydrogel system with tunable mechanical properties was successfully developed.
- Supramolecular host-guest interactions provide an effective mechanism for controlling hydrogel mechanics.
- The dissociative nature of PMOXA chains offers dynamic control over hydrogel properties, indicating potential for advanced applications.
