Double-networks based on pH-responsive, amphiphilic "core-first" star first polymer conetworks prepared by sequential RAFT polymerization
Date
2017Author
Kitiri, E. N.Patrickios, C. S.
Voutouri, C.
Stylianopoulos, T.
Hoffmann, I.
Schweins, R.
Gradzielski, M.
Source
Polymer ChemistryVolume
8Pages
245-259Google Scholar check
Keyword(s):
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This manuscript presents the preparation and study of a new double-network hydrogel system, comprising an amphiphilic, pH-responsive first polymer conetwork synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and a second hydrophilic polymer network prepared via free radical photopolymerization. The amphiphilic character of the first conetwork led to its phase separation on the nanoscale, as indicated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in deuterium oxide, whereas the presence of segments consisting of tertiary amine-bearing monomer repeating units resulted in pH-dependent equilibrium swelling in water. Finally, the introduction of a second, reinforcing network into the structure of the first conetwork produced a double-network hydrogel system with mechanical properties (compressive stress and strain at break, and low-strain elastic modulus) superior to those of the first conetwork. Thus, the present complex hydrogel system bears three important functions: high mechanical properties to endure an environment with high stresses, hydrophobic pockets to solubilize non-polar substances within an overall aqueous milieu, and an ability to respond to changes in pH. Such multi-functional water-swollen polymer systems can pave the way toward next-generation biomaterials. © 2016 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Collections
Cite as
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Article
Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymers prepared via self-condensing RAFT polymerization
Rikkou-Kalourkoti, Maria D.; Elladiou, Marios; Patrickios, Costas S. (2015)Four families of hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymers of styrene (Sty, less polar monomer) and 2-vinylpyridine (2VPy, one of the two more polar monomers) or 4-vinylpyridine (4VPy, the other polar monomer) were prepared ...
-
Article
Poly(ethylene glycol)-based amphiphilic model conetworks: Synthesis by RAFT polymerization and characterization
Achilleos, Mariliz; Legge, T. M.; Perrier, S.; Patrickios, Costas S. (2008)Polyethylene glycol) (PEG)-containing quasi-model amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) were prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using α,ω-bis(2-cyanoprop-2-yl dithiobenzoate)-PEG ...
-
Article
Styrene-vinyl pyridine diblock copolymers: Achieving high molecular weights by the combination of anionic and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerizations
Pafiti, Kyriaki S.; Patrickios, Costas S.; Filiz, Volkan; Rangou, Sofia; Abetz, Clarissa; Abetz, Volker (2013)Anionic and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations were combined for the preparation of high molecular weight (MW) amphiphilic diblock copolymers based on the hydrophobic styrene (Sty) and ...