Amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs) comprising a hydrophilic polyacrylate or polyacrylamide phase that is crosslinked by poly(dimethylsiloxane) are transparent and elastic materials both in the dry and the swollen state. Due to their cocontinuous nanophase-separated morphology, they have been investigated in applications ranging from phase transfer catalysis, to separation membranes and as sensing materials. We present bio-inspired approaches to increase the mechanical properties of APCNs, e.g. by incorporation of silk-inspired peptide motives into the APCNs. Moreover, a pentafluorophenyl acrylate active-ester-based method to functionalize APCNs was developed, which allowed us to modify APCNs with 4-aminopyridine to create self-healing conetworks. We also used this synthesis strategy to equip APCNs with sensing-moieties such as pyranine. The resulting APCNs are fluorescent ratiometric pH sensors which could be used in chronic wound monitoring.

Bio-inspired amphiphilic polymer conetworks

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.