Hydrogel particles (microgels) are colloidal particles with average diameters ranging from several tens of nanometers to single micrometers. In appropriate solvents, these particles become highly swollen with water and demonstrate stimuli-responsiveness. The swelling/deswelling behavior of these microgels is suitable for various applications, such as drug delivery systems, separation carriers, and sensors, as the interactions between target molecules and the microgels can be controlled quickly. Under such background, we have investigated the molecular separation behavior of the microgels (<b>Figure</b>). In particular, the relationship between the microscopic structural changes in the microgels and the molecular uptake behavior was clarified, and the obtained kinetics of deswelling due to the adsorption of target molecules allowed us to understand the fast response and the effect of the distribution of functional group, which interact with the target molecules, in the microgels on the uptake behavior. Thus, we will provide the detailed results to discuss the molecular separation functions of the microgels at the session.

Molecular separation by stimuli-responsive hydrogel microspheres

255th National Meeting (2018)

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