A Novel Approach for the Synthesis of Responsive Core–Shell Nanogels with a Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) Core and a Controlled Polyamine Shell.

Harsányi, Anna; Kardos, Attila; Xavier, Pinchu; Campbell, Richard A.; Varga, Imre

Microgel particles can play a key role, e.g., in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, advanced (bio)sensors or (bio)catalysis. Amine-functionalized microgels are particularly interesting in many applications since they can provide pH responsiveness, chemical functionalities for, e.g., bioconjugation, unique binding characteristics for pollutants and interactions with cell surfaces. Since the incorporation of amine functionalities in controlled amounts with predefined architectures is still a challenge, here, we present a novel method for the synthesis of responsive core–shell nanogels (dh w = 0.6 to 750 kDa), and we found that it had a profound effect on how many polyamine repeat units could be immobilized in the nanogel shell. The swelling and the electrophoretic mobility of the prepared core–shell nanogels were also studied as a function of pH and temperature, demonstrating the successful formation of the polyamine shell on the nanogel core and its effect on the nanogel characteristics. This study provides a general framework for the controlled synthesis of core–shell nanogels with tunable surface properties, which can be applied in many potential applications.

PRECIPITATION (Chemistry); MICROGELS; ACRYLIC acid; COUPLING reactions (Chemistry); DRUG delivery systems; POLYAMINES; POLYETHYLENEIMINE

Polymers (20734360), 2024, Vol 16, Issue 18, p2584

2073-4360

Academic Journal

10.3390/polym16182584