Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) microgel-based assemblies

Thermally responsive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm)-based hydrogel particles (microgels) have been extensively studied over past few decades. We, and others, have found that assemblies of these microgels exhibit unique properties that make them useful such as nonfouling surface coatings, drug release/delivery vehicles, and sensors. In this submission, we review our efforts to develop novel water remediation systems and optical devices from pNIPAm-based microgels. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3004–3020     

Solvent exchange kinetics in poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgel-based etalons

Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylic acid (pNIPAm-co-AAc) microgel-based etalons are constructed by depositing thin Au layers (mirrors) on either side of a planar microgel layer. When immersed in water, the microgel layer swells and the etalon exhibits visual color. The thermoresponsivity of the pNIPAm-based microgels allows the Au mirror spacing, and hence the device color, to be dynamically modulated. Necessarily, when the mirror spacing is modulated solvent in the microgel layer must be expelled to the surroundings. Previously, we determined that the etalon deswelling kinetics depended critically on the thickness of the Au layer covering the microgels. Here, we report on solvent exchange kinetics. We found that the time required for solvent entry into the microgel layer is much longer than solvent exit. In addition, the rate was found to again depend critically on the thickness of the Au layer covering the microgel layer; thicker Au layers corresponded to slower solvent exchange kinetics.

Recyclability of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) microgel-based assemblies for organic dye removal from water

Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylic acid (pNIPAm-co-AAc) microgels and their aggregates have been shown to effectively remove organic dye molecules from aqueous solutions. Here, we investigate the reusability of these microgel-based systems by exposing them to the organic azo dye molecule, 4-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylazo) benzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (Orange II). Following exposure, the microgels are isolated, and added to methanol to extract the trapped Orange II from the microgels, followed by a subsequent isolation. The isolated microgels were then exposed to Orange II once again, and the uptake efficiency of the recycled microgels determined. We found that the microgels and their aggregates could be reused to remove the organic dye with little loss in extraction efficiency with the number of recycling cycles.     

Responsive thin hydrogel layers from photo-cross-linkable poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) terpolymers

The structural features and swelling properties of responsive hydrogel films based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymers with a photo-cross-linkable benzophenone unit were investigated by surface plasmon resonance, optical waveguide mode spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The temperature-dependent swelling behavior was studied with respect to the chemical composition of the hydrogel polymers containing either sodium methacrylate or methacrylic acid moieties. In the sodium methacrylate system, a refractive index gradient was found that was not present in the free acid gel. This refractive index gradient, perpendicular to the swollen hydrogel film surface, could be analyzed in detail by application of the reversed Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation to the optical data. This novel approach to analyzing thin-film gradients with the WKB method presents a powerful tool for the characterization of inhomogeneous hydrogels, which would otherwise be very difficult to capture experimentally. In AFM images of the hydrogel layers, a macroscopic pore structure was observed that depended on the polymer composition as well as on the swelling history. This pore structure apparently prevents the often-observed skin barrier effect and leads to a quickly responding hydrogel.     

Poly (N-Isopropylacrylamide) microgel-based optical devices for humidity sensing

Optical sensors for environmental humidity have been constructed from poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylic acid (pNIPAm-co-AAc) microgels. The devices were constructed by first depositing a monolithic layer of pNIPAm-co-AAc microgels on a Au-coated glass substrate followed by the addition of another Au layer on top. The resultant assembly showed visual color, and exhibited multipeak reflectance spectra. We found that the thickness of the device's microgel layer depended on environmental humidity, which corresponded to a change in the device's optical properties. Specifically, at low humidity the microgel layer was collapsed, while it absorbed water from the atmosphere (and swelled) as the humidity increased. Additionally, we investigated how the deposition of the hygroscopic polymer poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (pDADMAC) onto the microgel layer (prior to final Au layer deposition) influenced the devices humidity response. We found that the devices were more sensitive to humidity as the number of pDADMAC layers in the device increased. Finally, we evaluated the device performance at various temperatures, and found that the sensitivity was enhanced at low temperature, although the response was more linear at elevated temperature.     

Comparative Study on the Collapse Transition of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Gels and Magnetic Nanoparticles Loaded Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Gels

A novel polymer gel exhibiting simultaneous temperature and magnetic field sensitivity has been prepared and studied. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) and magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite, Fe₃O₄) loaded PNIPA gel beads with mm size and monolith gels with cm size were prepared. The dependence of swelling degree on the temperature has been studied. The effects of cross-linking density and the presence of magnetic nanoparticles on the equilibrium swelling degree as well as on the collapse transition have been investigated. Swelling kinetic measurements were also made. By comparing the equilibrium swelling properties of PNIPA and magnetite loaded PNIPA gels it was found that the built in magnetic nanoparticles do not modify the temperature sensitivity of these gels. Within the experimental accuracy the temperature of the collapse transition was not sensitive to the presence of magnetic particles. We have compared the swelling behaviour of mm size gel beads to the cm size monolith gels in order to study the influence of surface skin layer on the swelling equilibrium. It was established that the extent of surface skin formation was decreased by the presence of magnetic particles.     

含5-氟尿嘧啶的羧甲基纤维素钠/聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)半互穿网络水凝胶的药物释放性能

以5-氟尿嘧啶(5-FU)为模型药物,对羧甲基纤维素钠/聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)半互穿网络水凝胶(CMC/PNIPA semi-IPN)的药物释放性能进行了研究。结果表明:在37℃、pH=7.4时,药物的释放速率以及释放量都随着凝胶中羧甲基纤维素钠含量的增加而增大。在25℃时,pH对药物释放速率的影响较小;而在37℃时,药物释放速率受pH的影响较大。该凝胶体系用做5-FU的口服释放载体具有较佳的释放性能。     

聚异丙基丙烯酰胺高分子在甲醇水溶液中溶解性的拉曼光谱研究

通过测量-13℃(低于低临界溶解温度(LCST))时聚异丙基丙烯酰胺(PNIPAM)高分子在甲醇水溶液中的拉曼光谱非一致效应(NCE),试图从PNIPAM与溶剂分子间的相互作用角度理解PNIPAM的溶解性.通过比较甲醇水溶液中加入PNIPAM前后甲醇分子C-O伸缩所对应的NCE变化,我们认为:甲醇摩尔分数(x)在1.0-0.90范围内,PNIPAM优先吸附甲醇分子;x=0.80-0.50时,PNIPAM优先吸附水分子;而x=0.50-0.20时,PNIPAM破坏了甲醇与水所形成的三元环稳定结构.进一步比较加入PNIPAM或其单元结构--异丙基丙酰胺(NIPPA)对甲醇水溶液NCE的影响,发现PNIPAM通过链段间的疏水协同作用吸附了甲醇分子.我们认为在甲醇水溶液的低浓度区间,这种协同作用破坏了甲醇与水形成的三元环团簇结构,而当温度升高时这种结构又重新形成,导致了PNIPAM在甲醇水溶液中的混致不溶现象.     

交联聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)/(海藻酸钠/聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺))半互穿网络水凝胶的制备及其溶胀性能

将线性聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)(PNIPAAm)和海藻酸钠(SA)分子同时引入到PNIPAAm凝胶中,制备了交联聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)/(海藻酸钠/聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺))半互穿网络(Cr-PNIPAAm/(SA/PNIPAAm)semi-IPN)水凝胶。在弱碱性条件下(pH=7.4),改变SA与线性PNIPAAm的质量比对Cr-PNIPAAm/(SA/PNIPAAm)semi-IPN水凝胶的溶胀度没有太大的影响。在酸性条件下(pH=1.0),其溶胀度随着SA与线性PNIPAAm质量比的减小而增大。由于亲水性SA与线性PNIPAAm的协同作用,Cr-PNIPAAm/(SA/PNIPAAm)semi-IPN水凝胶的消溶胀速率得到很大提高。     

Properties of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Grafted Colloidal Silica

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate) was prepared by radical polymerization and was grafted onto the surface of spherical colloidal silica. The copolymer, which had on average 1 silyl group per chain, condensed on the silica dispersed in THF at 60 degrees C. The resulting particles had a critical coagulation concentration of calcium chloride of 500 mM at room temperature, indicating robust colloidal stability. By contrast, heating the suspension to 50 degrees C lowered the critical coagulation concentration by more than three orders of magnitude, giving a value of 0.1 mM. Thus, the PNIPAM shell induced temperature-sensitive colloidal stability in the silica dispersion. The coated silica particles were also surface active. However, the surface tension of 50 mJ/m(2) at 25 degrees C is 15% higher than the corresponding value for PNIPAM solutions. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Drying Mechanism of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgel Dispersions

The drying mechanism of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) microgel dispersions was investigated. The microgels were synthesized by temperature-programmed aqueous free radical precipitation polymerization using NIPAm, N,N'-methylenebis(acrylamide), and water-soluble initiator. Drying processes of the microgel dispersions were observed with a digital camera and an optical microscope, and the resultant dried structures were observed by scanning electron microscopy. We found that the presence of the microgels changed the behavior of the drying process of water. In particular, the microgels were adsorbed at the air/water interface selectively within a few minutes irrespective of the microgel concentration. The relationship between the drying mechanism and structure of the resultant microgel thin film has been clarified by changing the microgel concentration of the dispersions.     

Effects of Surfactants on Phase Transition of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate)

The effect of surfactants on the phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate) (P(NIPAM-co-DMAEMA)) was extensively investigated by a turbidometry. When the concentration of cetyltrimethyl ammoniumchloride (CTAC) increased from 0.01 to 0.32%, the cloud point of PNIPAM increased from 32 to 38.5°C. When the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) increased from 0.01 to 0.08%, the cloud point increased from 32.5 to 38°C. The cloud points with SDS were higher than the values obtained with CTAC. In addition, SDS suppressed the temperature sensitivity much more effectively than CTAC did. The adsorption of the ionic surfactants (CTAC, SDS) on the polymer chains may account for the increase in the cloud point. On the other hand, Tween 20 had little effect on the cloud point and the temperature sensitivity of the homopolymer, possible because it is nonionic. The effect of surfactants on the phase transition of P(NIPAM-co-DMAEMA) exhibited a trend similar to the effect on the phase transition of PNIPAM.     

聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)类热敏材料的研究进展

从均聚物、共聚物及接枝改性三方面对聚（Ｎ－异丙基丙烯酰胺）类热敏高分子材料的最新研究进展进行了综述。简述了其热敏机理以及这种热敏材料在生物医学工程中的应用。     

聚-N-异丙基丙烯酰胺的制备及应用进展

聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)(PNIPAM)是一种温敏性高分子聚合物,在最低临界溶解温度(LCST)处会发生构象转变。对PNIPAM加以改性,可拓宽温敏性聚合物材料的研究领域,使其在药物负载运输、基因传递、化学分析和表面浸润性等领域发挥更大的应用价值。本文对PNIPAM的活性自由基聚合方法及其应用进展进行了综述,并展望了其发展前景。     

温度敏感聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)/聚(乙烯醇)水凝胶的制备及性能研究

聚 (N -异丙基丙烯酰胺 ) (PNIPA)水凝胶具有温度敏感性 ,其在 33℃左右有一个相转变温度或较低临界溶解温度 (L CST) [1,2 ] .当外界温度低于 LCST时 ,PNIPA水凝胶吸水溶胀 ;而当外界温度高于L CST时 ,PNIPA水凝胶剧烈收缩失水 ,发生相分离 .这种相分离特性应用于药物的控制释放 [3] .固定化酶[4 ] 和循环吸收剂 [5] 等领域 .然而 ,通常的 PNIPA水凝胶是通过化学键交联而成的三维网络聚合物 ,很难发生解体或进行生物降解 ,其在某些特定场合 (如药物的体内释放等 )受到一定限制 .聚乙烯醇 (PVA)的亲水性和生物相容性较好 ,是…     

星型卟啉化聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)的制备及应用

近几年来,卟啉化合物因其独特的光电化学性质,被广泛地应用于光动力学疗法(PDT)中.然而,绝大多数卟啉基化合物水溶性差,易发生低分子聚集分散不均的现象,限制其在PDT的应用.因此,利用卟啉化合物易于被修饰的特点,通过可逆加成裂解链转移自由基聚合法将含有-OH的卟啉与N-异丙基丙烯酰胺单体聚合形成温敏性聚合物(THPP-...     

聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)类材料的应用

聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)(PNIPAAm)及其共聚物,在水溶液中表现出最低临界溶液温度(LCST),在LCST附近会发生可逆相转变。利用这种特性,可将热敏性高分子材料应用于生物医学工程、免疫分析、催化、分离提纯等领域。主要综述了热敏性PNIPAAm类高分子材料,在这些领域中的应用情况。     

Preparation of Hollow Silica Microspheres via Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Core-shell structured SiO₂/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (SiO₂/PNIPAM) microspheres were successfully fabricated through hydrolysis and condensation reaction of tertraethyl or-thosilicate (TEOS) on the surface of PNIPAM template at 50 oC. The PNIPAM template can be easily removed by water at room temperature so that SiO₂ hollow microspheres were finally obtained. The transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope observations indicated that SiO₂ hollow microspheres with an average diameter of 150 nm can be formed only if there are enough concentration of PNIPAM and TEOS, and the hy-drolysis time of TEOS. FTIR analysis showed that part of PNIPAM remained on the wall of SiO₂ because of the strong interaction between PNIPAM and silica. This work provides a clean and efficient way to prepare hollow microspheres.     

Synthesis and characterization of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/Poly(acrylic acid) semi-IPN nanocomposite microgels

A novel pH- and temperature-sensitive nanocomposite microgel based on linear Poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) and Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) crosslinked by inorganic clay was synthesized by a two-step method. First, PNIPA microgel was prepared via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization by using inorganic clay as a crosslinker, and then AAc monomer was polymerized within the PNIPA microgel. The structure and morphology of the microgel were confirmed by FTIR, WXRD and TEM. The results indicated that the exfoliated clay platelets were dispersed homogeneously in the PNIPA microgels and acted as a multifunctional crosslinker, while the linear PAAc polymer chains incorporated in the PNIPA microgel network to form a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) structure. The hydrodynamic diameters of the semi-IPN microgels ranged from 360 to 400 nm, which was much smaller than that of the conventional microgel prepared by using N,N′-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBA) as a chemical crosslinker, the later was about 740 nm. The semi-IPN microgels exhibited good pH- and temperature-sensitivity, which could respond independently to both pH and temperature changes.