title: Microgels for the encapsulation and stimulus-responsive release of molecules with distinct polarities.
abstract: A microfluidic strategy for the encapsulation and stimulus-responsive release of molecules with distinct polarities from the interior of microgels is reported. The approach relies on (i) the generation of a primary O/W emulsion by the ultrasonication method, (ii) MF emulsification of the primary emulsion, and (iii) photopolymerization of the monomer present in the aqueous phase of the droplets, thereby transforming them into microgels. Non-polar molecules are dissolved in oil droplets embedded in the microgels. Polar molecules are physically associated with the hydrogel network. Upon heating, the microgels contract and release polar and non-polar cargo molecules. The approach paves the way for stimuli-responsive vehicles for multiple drug delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S3H6, Canada.
authors.forename: Dinesh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jagadeesan
authors.forename: Irina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nasimova
authors.forename: Ilya
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gourevich
authors.forename: Sergey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Starodubtsev
authors.forename: Eugenia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kumacheva
mesh_terms: D000178:Acrylamides / Q000737:chemistry; D004655:Emulsions; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D000080385:Nanogels; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D000178:Acrylamides; D004655:Emulsions; D000080385:Nanogels; C413692:polyethylene glycol polyethyleneimine nanogel; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011094:Polyethyleneimine; C067295:N-isopropylacrylamide