Redox-sensitive ferrocene functionalised double cross-linked supramolecular hydrogels

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nikolai Liubimtsev - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Tom Koesterke - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Yunjiao Che - , Chair of Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Dietmar Appelhans - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Jens Gaitzsch - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Brigitte Voit - , Chair of Organic Chemistry of Polymers, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Responsive double cross-linked hydrogels have proven to be a powerful approach to create smart polymer networks but unfold even greater potential if combined with supramolecular chemistry. A novel redox-sensitive ferrocene functionalised double cross-linked hydrogel is the core of this work. The explored network is based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA) grafted chains with a β-cyclodextrin/ferrocene supramolecular host-guest system. A defined responsive behaviour was achieved using modified PMOXA macromonomers from a controlled synthesis, functionalised with β-cyclodextrin (CD-PMOXA) or with ferrocene (Fer-PMOXA), which were characterised thoroughly by 1H NMR, GPC, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The association affinity between host-guest macromonomers (CD-PMOXA and Fer-PMOXA) was investigated by DLS and 2D NOESY and ROESY NMR analysis. Additional redox responsive supramolecular host-guest complexes were included as bismacromonomers and acted as additional cross-linking points in the hydrogel. These reversible changes of the degree of cross-linking in the polymer network allowed for reversible swelling and shrinkage by dissociation and re-formation of the complex, which also influenced the rheology of the hydrogel. The reproducible swelling and rheological changes could be tailored by the number of supramolecular cross-linking points in the network as well as the chain length of PMOXA macromonomers. Connecting the changes in swelling behaviour with the mechanical characteristics allowed for deeper structural insights into the network. The adjustable supramolecular redox-sensitive double cross-linked hydrogel provides an opportunity for future applications, e.g. in microfluidics and diagnostics.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)427-438
Number of pages12
JournalPolymer chemistry
Volume13
Issue number3
Early online dateDec 2021
Publication statusPublished - 18 Jan 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85123933831
ORCID /0000-0002-4531-691X/work/148608026

Keywords

Keywords

  • Inclusion complexes, Host