1
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Bhusari S, Hoffmann M, Herbeck-Engel P, Sankaran S, Wilhelm M, Del Campo A. Rheological behavior of Pluronic/Pluronic diacrylate hydrogels used for bacteria encapsulation in engineered living materials. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1320-1332. [PMID: 38241053 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01119d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Pluronic (Plu) hydrogels mixed with variable fractions of Pluronic diacrylate (PluDA) have become popular matrices to encapsulate bacteria and control their growth in engineered living materials. Here we study the rheological response of 30 wt% Plu/PluDA hydrogels with PluDA fraction between 0 and 1. We quantify the range of viscoelastic properties that can be covered in this system by varying in the PluDA fraction. We present stress relaxation and creep-recovery experiments and describe the variation of the critical yield strain/stress, relaxation and recovery parameters of Plu/PluDA hydrogels as function of the covalent crosslinking degree using the Burgers and Weilbull models. The analyzed hydrogels present two stress relaxations with different timescales which can be tuned with the covalent crosslinking degree. We expect this study to help users of Plu/PluDA hydrogels to estimate the mechanical properties of their systems, and to correlate them with the behaviour of bacteria in future Plu/PluDA devices of similar composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shardul Bhusari
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Chemistry Department, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Maxi Hoffmann
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Petra Herbeck-Engel
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | | | - Manfred Wilhelm
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Aránzazu Del Campo
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Chemistry Department, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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2
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Patel D, Pérez-Sánchez G, Jorge M, Ray D, Aswal VK, Kuperkar K, Coutinho JAP, Bahadur P. Rationalizing the Design of Pluronics-Surfactant Mixed Micelles through Molecular Simulations and Experiments. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:2692-2709. [PMID: 36763753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous systems comprising polymers and surfactants are technologically important complex fluids with tunable features dependent on the chemical nature of each constituent, overall composition in mixed systems, and solution conditions. The phase behavior and self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers can be changed drastically in the presence of conventional ionic surfactants and need to be clearly understood. Here, the self-aggregation dynamics of a triblock copolymer (Pluronics L81, EO3PO43EO3) in the presence of three cationic surfactants (with a 12C long alkyl chain but with different structural features), viz., dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), and ethanediyl-1,2-bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide) (12-2-12), were investigated in an aqueous solution environment. The nanoscale micellar size expressed as hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of copolymer-surfactant mixed aggregates was evaluated using dynamic light scattering, while the presence of a varied micellar geometry of L81-cationic surfactant mixed micelles were probed using small-angle neutron scattering. The obtained findings were further validated from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, employing a simple and transferable coarse-grained molecular model based on the MARTINI force field. L81 remained molecularly dissolved up to ∼20 °C but phase separated, forming turbid/translucent dispersion, close to its cloud point (CP) and existed as unstable vesicles. However, it exhibited interesting solution behavior expressed in terms of the blue point (BP) and the double CP in the presence of different surfactants, leading to mixed micellar systems with a triggered morphology transition from unstable vesicles to polymer-rich micelles and cationic surfactant-rich micelles. Such an amendment in the morphology of copolymer nanoaggregates in the presence of cationic surfactants has been well observed from scattering data. This is further rationalized employing the MD approach, which validated the effective interactions between Pluronics-cationic surfactant mixed micelles. Thus, our experimental results integrated with MD yield a deep insight into the nanoscale interactions controlling the micellar aggregation (Pluronics-rich micelles and surfactant-rich micelles) in the investigated mixed system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Patel
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Ichchhanath, Surat, Gujarat 395 007, India
| | - Germán Pérez-Sánchez
- CICECO─Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-1933, Portugal
| | - Miguel Jorge
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glassgow G1 1XJ, U.K
| | - Debes Ray
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 085, India
- Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes, Institute of Biological Information Processing, Forschungszentrum Julich, Julich 52428, Germany
| | - Vinod K Aswal
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 085, India
| | - Ketan Kuperkar
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Ichchhanath, Surat, Gujarat 395 007, India
| | - João A P Coutinho
- CICECO─Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-1933, Portugal
| | - Pratap Bahadur
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), Udhana-Magdalla Road, Surat, Gujarat 395 007, India
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3
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Ghorbanizamani F, Moulahoum H, Zihnioglu F, Timur S. Self-assembled block copolymers in ionic liquids: Recent advances and practical applications. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.115076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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4
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Yin X, Hewitt DRO, Preston AN, Heroux LA, Agamalian MM, Quah SP, Zheng B, Smith AJ, Laughlin ST, Grubbs RB, Bhatia SR. Hierarchical assembly in PLA-PEO-PLA hydrogels with crystalline domains and effect of block stereochemistry. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 180:102-109. [PMID: 31030021 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the development of microstructure (e.g., structures with length scales roughly 0.5-500 μm) in hydrogels is crucial for their use in several biomedical applications. We utilize ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) and confocal microscopy to explore microstructure of poly(lactide)-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(lactide) (PLA-PEO-PLA) triblock copolymer hydrogels with varying l/d-lactide ratio. We have previously found that these polymers self-assemble on the nanoscale into micelles. Here, we observe large-scale structures with diverse morphologies, including highly porous self-similar networks with characteristic sizes spanning approximately 120 nm-200 μm. These structural features give rise to power-law scattering indicative of fractal structures in USANS. Mass fractal and surface fractal structures are found for gels with l/d ratios of 80/20 and 50/50, respectively. Confocal microscopy shows microscale water-filled channels and pores that are more clearly evident in gels with a higher fraction of l-lactide in the PLA block as compared to the 50/50 hydrogels. Tuning block stereochemistry may provide a means of controlling the self-assembly and structural evolution at both the nanoscale and microscale, impacting application of these materials in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechen Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - David R O Hewitt
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Alyssa N Preston
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Luke A Heroux
- Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Michael M Agamalian
- Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Suan P Quah
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Bingqian Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Andrew J Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Scott T Laughlin
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Robert B Grubbs
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Surita R Bhatia
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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5
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Ren P, Zhang H, Dai Z, Ren F, Wu Y, Hou R, Zhu Y, Fu J. Stiff micelle-crosslinked hyaluronate hydrogels with low swelling for potential cartilage repair. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:5490-5501. [DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01155b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pluronic F127 diacrylate (F127DA) micelle-crosslinked methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) hydrogel with low-swelling and strong compressive properties was successfully synthesized for the regeneration of cartilages in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penggang Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Xi’an University of Technology
- Xi’an 710048
- China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Xi’an University of Technology
- Xi’an 710048
- China
- Polymers and Composites Division
| | - Zhong Dai
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Xi’an University of Technology
- Xi’an 710048
- China
| | - Fang Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Xi’an University of Technology
- Xi’an 710048
- China
| | - Yidong Wu
- Medical School of Ningbo University
- Ningbo
- China
| | - Ruixia Hou
- Medical School of Ningbo University
- Ningbo
- China
| | - Yabin Zhu
- Medical School of Ningbo University
- Ningbo
- China
| | - Jun Fu
- Polymers and Composites Division
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Ningbo
- China
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6
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Xie Y, Xie R, Yang HC, Chen Z, Hou J, López-Barrón CR, Wagner NJ, Gao KZ. Iono-Elastomer-Based Wearable Strain Sensor with Real-Time Thermomechanical Dual Response. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:32435-32443. [PMID: 30165029 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b10672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An ultrastretchable iono-elastomer with resistance sensitive to both elongation strain and temperature has been developed by hierarchical self-assembly of an end functionalized triblock copolymer in a protic ionic liquid (ethylammonium nitrate) followed by cross-linking. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments in situ with uniaxial elongation reveal a nanoscale microstructural transition of the hierarchically self-assembled cross-linked micelles that is responsible for the material's remarkable mechanical and ionic conductivity responses. The results show that the intermicelle distance extends along the deformation direction while the micelles organize into a long-range ordered face-centered-cubic structure during the uniaxial elongation. Besides good cyclability and resistance to selected physical damage, the iono-elastomer simultaneously achieves an unprecedented combination of high stretchability (340%), highly linear resistance vs elongation strain ( R2 = 0.998), and large temperature gauge factor (Δ R/ R = 3.24%/°C@30 °C). Human subject testing demonstrates that the iono-elastomer-based wearable thermomechanical sensor is able to effectively and accurately register both body motion and skin temperature simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ru Xie
- ExxonMobil Chemical Company , Baytown , Texas 77522 , United States
| | | | | | - Jingwei Hou
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB3 0FS , U.K
| | | | - Norman J Wagner
- Department of Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering , University of Delaware , Newark , Delaware 19716 , United States
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7
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Yin X, Hewitt DRO, Quah SP, Zheng B, Mattei GS, Khalifah PG, Grubbs RB, Bhatia SR. Impact of stereochemistry on rheology and nanostructure of PLA-PEO-PLA triblocks: stiff gels at intermediate l/d-lactide ratios. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:7255-7263. [PMID: 30137095 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01559g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We report rheology and structural studies of poly(lactide)-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(lactide) (PLA-PEO-PLA) triblock copolymer gels with various ratios of l-lactide and d-lactide in the PLA blocks. These materials form associative micellar gels in water, and previous work has shown that stereoregular triblocks with a l/d ratio of 100/0 form much stiffer gels than triblocks with a 50/50 l/d ratio. Our systems display an unexpected maximum in the storage modulus, G', of the hydrogels at intermediate l/d ratio. The impact of stereochemistry on the rheology is very striking; gels with an l/d ratio of 85/15 have storage moduli that are ∼1-2 orders of magnitude higher than hydrogels with l/d ratios of 100/0. No stereocomplexation is observed in the gels, although PLLA crystals are found for gels with l/d ratios of 95/5 and 90/10, and SANS results show a decrease in the intermicellar spacing for intermediate l/d ratios. We expect the dominant contribution to the elasticity of the gels to be intermicellar bridging chains and attribute the rheology to a competition between an increase in the time for PLA endblocks to pull out of micelles as the l/d ratio is increased and PLLA crystallization occurs, and a decrease in the number of bridging chains for micelles with crystalline PLA domains, as formation of bridges may be hindered by crowded crystalline PLA domains. These results provide a new strategy for controlling the rheology of PLA-based hydrogels for potential applications in biomaterials, as well as fundamental insights into how intermicellar interactions can be tuned via stereochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechen Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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8
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Li B, Thompson ME. Phase transition in amphiphilic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide): controlled gelation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:13623-13631. [PMID: 29737361 DOI: 10.1039/c8cp01609g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Thermally reversible gelation of polymers is of converging interest in both the fundamental research and practical biomedical or pharmaceutical applications. While the block structure is widely reported to favor gelation, there are few studies regarding the behavior of amphiphilic random copolymers. Herein, hydrophobically modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) polymers were designed and synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of NIPAM and butyl acrylate (BA). A library of polymer systems was created by varying the BA : NIPAM ratio, molecular weight (Mw) and concentrations. While a coil-to-globule transition induced microphase separation occurred in the dilute solution, diverse phase behaviors were observed by phase diagram study. A transparent gel phase was identified in p(NIPAM-co-BA) systems, which was missing in its block counterpart pNIPAM-b-pBA, and existed over a wider temperature range with increased BA content, Mw and concentrations. A dynamic rheological analysis revealed that the gel properties were strongly dependent on temperature, which regulated the interchain hydrophobic association, and the gel proved to be highly elastic, stable, reversible and self-healable under the optimized conditions. The p(NIPAM-co-BA) system will be highly desirable for injectable in situ forming hydrogel materials, and the study demonstrated here can be potentially extended to other amphiphilic pNIPAM copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Mark E Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA and Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA.
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9
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Ben Henda M, Gharbi A. Rheological Properties of L64 Tri-block Copolymer in Aqueous and p-xylene Solutions. POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s0965545x18020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Xie R, López-Barrón CR, Greene DG, Wagner NJ. Comicellization of Binary PEO–PPO–PEO Triblock Copolymer Mixtures in Ethylammonium Nitrate. Macromolecules 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b02115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ru Xie
- Center
for Neutron Science, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Carlos R. López-Barrón
- Baytown
Technology and Engineering Complex, ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Baytown, Texas 77520, United States
| | - Daniel G. Greene
- Center
for Neutron Science, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Norman J. Wagner
- Center
for Neutron Science, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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11
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Richards JJ, Wagner NJ, Butler PD. A strain-controlled RheoSANS instrument for the measurement of the microstructural, electrical, and mechanical properties of soft materials. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2017; 88:105115. [PMID: 29092518 DOI: 10.1063/1.4986770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In situ measurements are an increasingly important tool to inform the complex relationship between nanoscale properties and macroscopic material measurements. Knowledge of these phenomena can be used to develop new materials to meet the performance demands of next generation technologies. Conductive complex fluids have emerged as an area of research where the electrical and mechanical properties are key design parameters. To study the relationship between microstructure, conductivity, and rheology, we have developed a small angle neutron scattering (SANS) compatible Couette rheological geometry capable of making impedance spectroscopy measurements under continuous shear. We have also mounted this geometry on a commercial strain controlled rheometer with a modified forced convection oven. In this manuscript, we introduce the simultaneous measurement of impedance spectroscopy, rheological properties and SANS data. We describe the validation of this dielectric RheoSANS instrument and demonstrate its operation using two systems-an ion gel comprising Pluronic® surfactant and ionic liquid, ethyl-ammonium nitrate, and poly(3-hexylthiophene) organogel prepared in a mixture of hexadecane and dichlorobenzene. In both systems, we use this new measurement capability to study the microstructural state of these materials under two different protocols. By monitoring their dielectric rheology at the same time as the SANS measurement, we demonstrate the capacity to directly probe structure-property relationships inherent to the macroscopic material response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Richards
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | - Norman J Wagner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Center for Neutron Science, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 98195, USA
| | - Paul D Butler
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
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12
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Altamash T, Nasser MS, Elhamarnah Y, Magzoub M, Ullah R, Anaya B, Aparicio S, Atilhan M. Gas Solubility and Rheological Behavior of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) via Combined Experimental and Molecular Simulation Techniques. ChemistrySelect 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201701223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tausif Altamash
- Department of Chemical Engineering; Qatar University; Doha Qatar
| | | | | | | | - Ruh Ullah
- Department of Chemical Engineering; Qatar University; Doha Qatar
| | - Baraa Anaya
- Department of Chemical Engineering; Texas A&M University at Qatar; Doha Qatar
| | | | - Mert Atilhan
- Department of Chemical Engineering; Texas A&M University at Qatar; Doha Qatar
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13
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Kim HA, Lee HJ, Hong JH, Moon HJ, Ko DY, Jeong B. α,ω-Diphenylalanine-End-Capping of PEG-PPG-PEG Polymers Changes the Micelle Morphology and Enhances Stability of the Thermogel. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:2214-2219. [PMID: 28605182 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Pluronics F127 (P, PEG-PPG-PEG triblock copolymer) was coupled with diphenylalanine (FF) to prepare FF-end-capped Pluronics (FFPFF). With increasing temperature from 10 to 60 °C, the FFPFF self-assembled to vesicles in water. The unimer-to-vesicle transition accompanies endothermic enthalpy of 53.9 kcal/mol. Aqueous P and FFPFF solutions exhibited thermogelation in 15.0-24.0 wt %. The gel phase of FFPFF was stable up to 90 °C, whereas that of P turned into a sol again at 55-86 °C, indicating that end-capping with FF improved the gel stability against heat. In addition, the carboxylic acids of the FF end-groups can form coordination bonds with metal ions, and the gel modulus at 37 °C increased from 15-21 KPa (P) to 20-25 KPa (FFPFF) to 24-28 KPa (FFPFF-Zn), and the duration of gel against water-erosion increased from 24 h (P) to 60 h (FFPFF-Zn), leading to a useful biomaterial for sustained drug delivery. The FFPFF-Zn gels implanted in the rats' subcutaneous layer induced a mild inflammatory responses. Contrary to the previous end-capping of Pluronics by poly(lactic acid), polycarprolactone, carboxylic acid, and so on that weakened the gel stability, the diphenylalanine end-capping strengthened the stability of Pluronics gel against heat and water-erosion. This paper suggests that the control of polymer nanoassemblies directed by FF end-groups improves the mechanical properties and stability of the resulting thermogel and, thus, provides a useful drug delivery carrier with prolonged durability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae An Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University , 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University , 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Ja Hye Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University , 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Moon
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University , 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Du Young Ko
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University , 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Byeongmoon Jeong
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University , 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
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14
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López-Barrón CR, Chen R, Wagner NJ. Ultrastretchable Iono-Elastomers with Mechanoelectrical Response. ACS Macro Lett 2016; 5:1332-1338. [PMID: 35651211 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.6b00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The emerging technologies involving wearable electronics require new materials with high stretchability, resistance to high loads, and high conductivities. We report a facile synthetic strategy based on self-assembly of concentrated solutions of end-functionalized PEO106-PPO70-PEO106 triblock copolymer in ethylammonium nitrate into face-centered cubic micellar crystals, followed by micelle corona cross-linking to generate elastomeric ion gels (iono-elastomers). These materials exhibit an unprecedented combination of high stretchability, high ionic conductivity, and mechanoelectrical response. The latter consists of a remarkable and counterintuitive increase in ion conductivity with strain during uniaxial extension, which is reversible upon load release. Based on in situ SAXS measurements of reversible crystal structure transformations during deformation, we postulate that the origin of the conductivity increase is a reversible formation of ion nanochannels due to a novel microstructural rearrangement specific to this material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R. López-Barrón
- ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Baytown Technology and Engineering Complex, Baytown, Texas 77520, United States
| | - Ru Chen
- Center
for Neutron Science, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Norman J. Wagner
- Center
for Neutron Science, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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