Thermoresponsive self-assembled NiPAm-zwitterion copolymers

摘要: Zwitterionic polymers are well known for their non-fouling properties due to unique pendant side chain structures. In this work, we incorporated temperature-responsive N-isopropylacrylamide (NiPAm) with zwitterionic monomers (carboxybetaine methacrylate (CBMA) and sulfobetaine (SBMA)), synthesized the statistical copolymers poly(NiPAm-co-CBMA) poly(NiPAm-co-SBMA). Above low critical solution temperature (LCST), a clear sol–gel transition was observed, accompanied by an increase in turbidity elastic modulus of copolymer solution. The self assembly thermoresponsive these under large strains different temperatures were characterized UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, rheological characterizations. We showed that consisted both mechanically thermally reversible networks, favoring them as reusable biocompatible materials. As comparison, incorporating SBMA NiPAm inhibited thermo-sensitive viscoelastic features pure based polymer, causing delayed LCST weakened response poly(NiPAm-co-SBMA) at room body temperatures. Our work demonstrates CBMA act stronger ionic bridges form networks when compared copolymer. result, possesses features, without compromised mechanical properties.