Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly for the Synthesis of Multi-Responsive Micelles Hydrogel and its Versatile...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Smart Materials

Background:

• Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) exhibits thermo-responsiveness (LCST) but precise micelle synthesis is complex.
• Stimuli-responsive materials are crucial for advanced applications like smart windows and drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel multi-responsive micelles hydrogels (GBN) with precise structures.
• To explore the potential of GBN hydrogels in thermal management, drug delivery, and sealing applications.

Main Methods:

• Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)-poly (glycerol methacrylate) (PGMAx-PNIPAM).
• B─O dynamic crosslinking of self-assembled micelles to form hydrogels.
• Characterization of thermo- and glucose-responsiveness, and mechanical properties for sealing.

Main Results:

• Stable, worm-like micelles formed hydrogels with reversible gel-sol transitions and transparency changes.
• Glucose responsiveness was achieved via dynamic B─O bonds, addressing PNIPAM's LCST limitations for drug release.
• GBN hydrogels demonstrated effective sealing capabilities, including load-bearing capacity and sealing strength in extreme environments.

Conclusions:

• The developed GBN hydrogels offer a novel approach to fabricating multi-responsive materials.
• These materials exhibit broad applicability in smart windows, drug delivery, and advanced sealing solutions.
• This work expands the utility of PNIPAM-based materials in diverse technological fields.