Programmable phase transition enables tunable microstructures and micromechanics in thermoresponsive polysaccharide...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Polymer-surfactant interactions are crucial for designing functional materials with specific properties.
• Controlling polymer aggregation and phase transitions is key to material design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop programmable dextran-based thermoresponsive polysaccharide condensates.
• To investigate how different surfactants influence phase transition dynamics and hydrogel microstructure.
• To establish structure-property relationships in surfactant-modified polysaccharide hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized dextran-based thermoresponsive polysaccharide condensates.
• Utilized photo-initiated radical polymerization for hydrogel crosslinking.
• Systematically studied the effects of anionic (SDS), cationic (CTAB), nonionic (Pluronic F-127), and zwitterionic (CHAPS) surfactants.
• Performed micromechanical characterization of the resulting hydrogels.

Main Results:

• Achieved tunable lower critical solution temperatures in polysaccharide condensates.
• Demonstrated surfactant-specific hydrogel microstructures (core-shell, elongated micelles, dual emulsions).
• Observed structure-dependent mechanical properties, including stiffness and adhesion.
• Found that surfactant charge density, HLB, and CMC collectively control phase separation.

Conclusions:

• Developed a framework for designing polysaccharide-based hydrogels with tailored microstructures and mechanical properties.
• Showcased the ability to direct material properties through controlled polymer-surfactant interactions.
• Highlighted the potential for creating advanced biocomposite materials with tunable performance.