title: Interpenetrating polymer networks as a route to tunable multi-responsive biomaterials: development of novel concepts.
abstract: Novel concepts are proposed for interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) that can be used in biomaterials responsive to multiple types of environmental stimuli. The IPNs can be a route to the tunable biomaterials whose chemical structure and/or morphology can be adjusted to the type of task to be performed. The significance of utilizing new types of processes in polymer chemistry such as the Suzuki polycondensation and living/controlled radical polymerizations to the possibility of extending/modifying component networks in the IPNs and fine-tuning their properties is emphasized. Incorporation of nanofillers into IPNs and application of monomers other than traditional alkylacrylamides as a way to enhance versatility of IPNs are also considered.
authors.affiliation: Chemical Engineering Department, JHE 374, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4L7. kostans@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kris Kostanski
authors.forename: Ruixiang
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Carlos D M
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Filipe
authors.forename: Raja
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ghosh
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002621:Chemistry / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D020100:Hydrogels; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008956:Models, Chemical; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents