A new class of thermo-switchable hydrogel: application to the host–guest approach

Abstract

The successful construction of a thermogelling system for the hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide (HMPAM)/α-CD mixture is reported featuring an application to the host–guest approach. It has been shown that the thermogelling property, masked by the strong intermolecular hydrophobic interaction, can be engineered to display by means of the host–guest approach, requiring no special synthesis, no third competitive guest and no harsh conditions. The findings of this work provide the basis for understanding and controlling the properties of hydrophobically modified polymers, fostering their use in a wide range of applications, including microfluidics, controlled release, tertiary oil recovery and smart materials.