University of Birmingham researchers develop multi-responsive smart gel

smart gel foldamers drug delivery supramolecular chemistry University of Birmingham

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a multi-responsive smart gel capable of switching between solid-like and liquid-like states in response to specific stimuli. The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, utilizes synthetic molecules called foldamers connected by palladium ions to create a responsive molecular network.

The material exhibits several switchable properties: exposure to ultraviolet light causes the gel to flow like a liquid, while the application of heat allows the gel structure to reform. Additionally, the material can be dismantled through exposure to acid. Researchers also successfully converted the substance into a water-containing hydrogel without disrupting its underlying molecular connections.

This discovery holds potential for advancements in medical technology and chemical engineering. Future applications may include the development of smart sensors, switchable catalysts, and advanced drug delivery systems that can capture and release specific molecules on demand.

Entities

Chiara Arno · Dominik Kubicki · Journal of the American Chemical Society · Sarah Pike · University of Birmingham

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The material can be converted into a water-containing hydrogel without breaking its molecular connections. pmlive.com · www.electronicsweekly.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Ultraviolet light causes the material to change from a gel to a liquid-like state. knowridge.com · pmlive.com · www.electronicsweekly.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The material is constructed using synthetic molecules known as foldamers. knowridge.com · pmlive.com · www.electronicsweekly.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Researchers at the University of Birmingham developed a multi-responsive smart gel. knowridge.com · pmlive.com · www.electronicsweekly.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Acid can dismantle the material's molecular network. knowridge.com · pmlive.com · www.electronicsweekly.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Palladium ions act as connectors for the helical foldamer molecules. knowridge.com · pmlive.com · www.electronicsweekly.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Heat can be used to rebuild the gel structure. knowridge.com · pmlive.com · www.electronicsweekly.com

Sources

New Smart Gel Can Switch Between Solid and Liquid on Demand [knowridge.com]

about 1 month ago

‘Switchable’ smart gel may pave the way for next-gen drug delivery and sensing tech [pmlive.com]

about 1 month ago

New Switchable Smart Gel Could Revolutionize Drug Delivery and Sensing Tech [www.world-today-news.com]

about 1 month ago

Birmingham researchers create multi-responsive gel ⋆ Electronics Weekly [www.electronicsweekly.com]

about 1 month ago