Phase Transition Mechanism and Research Progress of LCST-Type Thermosensitive Hydrogels
XinYin Gou1,2, Yuxuan Cheng1,2, Chunyang Zhang1
1Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, P. R. China.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|April 16, 2026
Summary
Intelligent polymers called lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type hydrogels offer tunable properties for applications in biomedicine and thermal management. This review details their mechanisms, phase transitions, and strategies for optimizing performance and stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Smart Materials
Background:
- Lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type hydrogels are intelligent polymers with high water content and thermally responsive phase transitions.
- Their tunable properties make them suitable for diverse applications, including thermal management, biomedicine, and intelligent devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elaborate on the molecular mechanisms and thermodynamic principles governing LCST-type hydrogel phase transitions.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of strategies for adjusting LCST temperature, enhancing stability, and improving multifunctionality.
- To outline typical applications and future perspectives of LCST-type hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Detailed elaboration of molecular mechanisms and thermodynamic principles of phase transition.
- Comprehensive summary of strategies for LCST temperature adjustment, stability improvement, and multifunctionality enhancement.
- Overview of typical applications in controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, sensing, thermal management, energy, and smart textiles.
Main Results:
- The study details the fundamental principles of LCST-type hydrogel phase transitions.
- Various strategies for tuning LCST, stability, and functionality are presented.
- A wide range of applications are highlighted, showcasing the hydrogels' capabilities.
Conclusions:
- LCST-type hydrogels possess significant potential across multiple fields due to their unique properties.
- This review establishes a systematic design framework for developing and optimizing next-generation LCST-type phase-change hydrogels.
- Future perspectives indicate promising advancements and broader applications for these smart materials.
