Disulfide-Linked Symmetrical Polydiacetylene as Visualized Temperature Sensor for Heatstroke Monitor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate body temperature monitoring is crucial for managing conditions like heatstroke.
• Existing thermometers have limitations for real-time, full-range screening.
• Developing advanced visual sensors is needed for effective physiological monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel polydiacetylene (PDA) materials for visual body temperature sensing.
• To investigate the structure-property relationships governing the thermochromic behavior of PDAs.
• To develop a functional, disposable medical patch for real-time temperature monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of three PDA monomers (S-1, S-2, S-3) with varying structural features.
• Polymerization of monomers into Poly(S-1), Poly(S-2), and Poly(S-3).
• Characterization of thermochromic properties and fabrication into a functional patch.

Main Results:

• Poly(S-1) demonstrated a multi-step, visible thermochromic transition between 35°C-43°C, linked to flexible chains and ester linkages.
• Poly(S-2) and Poly(S-3) required higher temperatures for thermochromism due to rigid structures and stronger intermolecular forces.
• The Poly(S-1) patch exhibited irreversible thermochromism within the physiological range, suitable for disposable medical devices.

Conclusions:

• Precise tuning of PDA thermochromic temperatures is achievable through molecular design.
• Developed PDA materials show promise for biomedical monitoring and smart responsive applications.
• This research provides a foundation for next-generation visual body temperature sensors.