Themed collection Trends in Thermoresponsive Polymers: from Chemistry to Applications

32 items
Open Access Review Article

Thermoresponsive polycations

This review discusses the structural features of polycations, which make them thermoresponsive, showing either LCST or UCST behavior. The role of hydrophobic counter ions is of particular interest.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive polycations
Review Article

Thermo-responsive block copolymers: assembly and application

The review focuses on the assembly and application of five thermo-responsive block copolymers containing one or two thermo-responsive blocks, and aims to provide an overview to guide the design of these copolymers and stimulate more applications.

Graphical abstract: Thermo-responsive block copolymers: assembly and application
Open Access Review Article

Thermoresponsive block copolymers of increasing architecture complexity: a review on structure–property relationships

The position of the monomers within the polymer chain and the 3D structure of the polymer affect the thermoresponsive properties.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive block copolymers of increasing architecture complexity: a review on structure–property relationships
Open Access Review Article

Thermoresponsive polymers in non-aqueous solutions

Polymers does not only show phase transition in aqueous solutions but they also do in organic solvents, which is the focus of this review article.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive polymers in non-aqueous solutions
Communication

Thermoresponsive polymer brush photocatalytic substrates for wastewater remediation

NIPAAm and fluorescein o-acrylate are copolymerized on glass beads to develop multiresponsive heterogeneous photocatalysts that exhibit structural changes at elevated temperatures and alter their photocatalytic performance in wastewater remediation.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive polymer brush photocatalytic substrates for wastewater remediation
Open Access Communication

Responsive tertiary amine methacrylate block copolymers: uncovering temperature-induced shape-shifting behaviour

Responsive polymeric nanoparticles are an exciting field of study, yet little is known about the temperature sensitivity of those based on tertiary amine methacrylate block copolymers.

Graphical abstract: Responsive tertiary amine methacrylate block copolymers: uncovering temperature-induced shape-shifting behaviour
Paper

Thermoresponsive property of poly(N,N-bis(2-ethoxyethyl)acrylamide) and its multiblock copolymers with poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) prepared by hydrosilylation-promoted group transfer polymerization

Poly(N,N-bis(2-ethoxyethyl)acrylamide) (PEOEAm), a new thermoresponsive polyacrylamide, has been studied from the perspectives of synthesis and thermal phase transition.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive property of poly(N,N-bis(2-ethoxyethyl)acrylamide) and its multiblock copolymers with poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) prepared by hydrosilylation-promoted group transfer polymerization
Paper

Encapsulation in cooling-induced coacervates augments DNA enzyme activity

The activity of a DNAzyme is enhanced by entrapment in cooling-inducible liquid droplets of UCST-type ureido polymers.

Graphical abstract: Encapsulation in cooling-induced coacervates augments DNA enzyme activity
Open Access Paper

Unravelling the thermo-responsive evolution from single-chain to multiple-chain nanoparticles by thermal field-flow fractionation

ThFFF with multiple detection enables monitoring the transformation of block copolymers into single chain nanoparticles stabilized by a shell (SCNP-shell). The SCNP-shell are in dynamic equilibrium with multiple chain nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Unravelling the thermo-responsive evolution from single-chain to multiple-chain nanoparticles by thermal field-flow fractionation
Open Access Paper

Structural control and functionalization of thermoresponsive nanogels: turning cross-linking points into anchoring groups

Nanogels with cleavable crosslinking points allow for nanostructure modification and functionalization with α-oxoaldehydes (glyoxylic groups).

Graphical abstract: Structural control and functionalization of thermoresponsive nanogels: turning cross-linking points into anchoring groups
Paper

Synthesis of amino acid-derived vinyl polymers with precisely controlled hydropathy and their thermoresponsive behavior in water

Synthesis of amino acid-derived vinyl polymers with precisely controlled hydropathy by ultra-rapid reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and their thermoresponsive behavior in water.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of amino acid-derived vinyl polymers with precisely controlled hydropathy and their thermoresponsive behavior in water
Paper

Thermoresponsive “irreversible” property change of POSS-crosslinked PNIPAAm hydrogels

Incorporation of a strongly hydrophobic component as a crosslinking point enables reversibility control of property change of thermoresponsive hydrogels.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive “irreversible” property change of POSS-crosslinked PNIPAAm hydrogels
Open Access Paper

Development of prediction model for cloud point of thermo-responsive polymers by experiment-oriented materials informatics

A prediction model for cloud point was built by a combination of materials informatics and chemical insight.

Graphical abstract: Development of prediction model for cloud point of thermo-responsive polymers by experiment-oriented materials informatics
Paper

The effect of side chain spacer length on the thermoresponsive behaviour of poly(methylamide acrylate)s

Aqueous solubility of poly(methylamide acrylate)s can be altered via modulation of the side chain spacer length between the polymer backbone and pendant amide functionality whereby a butyl spacer is sufficient to induce LCST behaviour (P(MAmBA)).

Graphical abstract: The effect of side chain spacer length on the thermoresponsive behaviour of poly(methylamide acrylate)s
Paper

Amidation of methyl ester-functionalised poly(2-oxazoline)s as a powerful tool to create dual pH- and temperature-responsive polymers as potential drug delivery systems

We present the synthesis of different amine-functionalised poly(2-oxazoline)s, their dual pH and temperature response as well as their capability to as promising stimuli responsive drug delivery vectors.

Graphical abstract: Amidation of methyl ester-functionalised poly(2-oxazoline)s as a powerful tool to create dual pH- and temperature-responsive polymers as potential drug delivery systems
From the themed collection: Polymer Chemistry Lectureship Winners
Paper

One-pot catalyst-switching synthesis of thermoresponsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) and biodegradable polyesters

A method for the syntheses of thermoresponsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers through sequential organocatalyzed polymerizations using group transfer polymerization (GTP) and ring-opening polymerization (ROP), respectively, is described.

Graphical abstract: One-pot catalyst-switching synthesis of thermoresponsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) and biodegradable polyesters
Open Access Paper

Self-assembly and salt-induced thermoresponsive properties of amphiphilic PEG/cation random terpolymers in water

Herein, we report the self-assembly and salt-induced thermoresponsive properties of amphiphilic random terpolymers consisting of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and quaternary ammonium cations, and hydrophobic dodecyl groups in water.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembly and salt-induced thermoresponsive properties of amphiphilic PEG/cation random terpolymers in water
Paper

Effect of amino group modification at allyl position of methacrylamides on polymerization and polymer pH-/thermo-responsiveness

Effects of primary amino group of methacrylamides on the polymerization and polymer pH- and thermosresponsiveness were investigated.

Graphical abstract: Effect of amino group modification at allyl position of methacrylamides on polymerization and polymer pH-/thermo-responsiveness
Open Access Paper

Cosolvent effects on the structure and thermoresponse of a polymer brush: PNIPAM in DMSO–water mixtures

Structural characterisation of thermoresponsive polymer brushes in binary DMSO–water mixtures reveals both LCST and UCST behaviour.

Graphical abstract: Cosolvent effects on the structure and thermoresponse of a polymer brush: PNIPAM in DMSO–water mixtures
Open Access Paper

Contrasting thermoresponsiveness of stereoisomers of a dense 1,2,3-triazole polymer carrying amide side chains

Thermoresponsive behavior of stereoisomers of a dense triazole polymer was studied; mixtures of the isotactic one underwent thermoresponsive gel-to-sol transition, and aqueous solutions of the syndiotactic one underwent LCST-type phase transition.

Graphical abstract: Contrasting thermoresponsiveness of stereoisomers of a dense 1,2,3-triazole polymer carrying amide side chains
Paper

Multiphase PCL semi-interpenetrating networks exhibiting the triple- and stress-free two-way shape memory effect

The development of multiphase polymer networks by semi-IPNs composed of homologous polymers using poly(ε-caprolactone).

Graphical abstract: Multiphase PCL semi-interpenetrating networks exhibiting the triple- and stress-free two-way shape memory effect
Paper

Understanding the monomer deuteration effect on the transition temperature of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels in H2O

Obtaining deuterated microgels is essential to characterize their architecture and determine their response to crowding using neutron scattering. Here, we explain the effect of deuteration on the phase transition temperature.

Graphical abstract: Understanding the monomer deuteration effect on the transition temperature of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels in H2O
Paper

A systematic study on the effects of the structure of block copolymers of PEG and poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolic acid) on their temperature-responsive sol-to-gel transition behavior

The effects of the molecular structure on the temperature-responsive sol-to-gel transition behavior and neat morphology of the block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolic acid) were systematically investigated.

Graphical abstract: A systematic study on the effects of the structure of block copolymers of PEG and poly(ε-caprolactone-co-glycolic acid) on their temperature-responsive sol-to-gel transition behavior
Paper

Injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels based on (Me)PEG–poly(menthide) amphiphilic block copolymers from bioderived lactone

Synthesis of (Me)PEG–PM block copolymers from a sustainable source, (−)-menthone, and their thermoresponsive characteristics.

Graphical abstract: Injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels based on (Me)PEG–poly(menthide) amphiphilic block copolymers from bioderived lactone
Paper

Thermoresponsive star-shaped polymer with heteroarm type with methacrylates: preparation by living radical polymerization method and its topological effect

Thermoresponsive star-shaped polymer with heteroarm type with methacrylates was prepared by living radical polymerization method with ruthenium catalyst. The effect of the arm structures was also investigated.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive star-shaped polymer with heteroarm type with methacrylates: preparation by living radical polymerization method and its topological effect
Paper

Pre- and post-functionalization of thermoresponsive cationic microgels with ionic liquid moieties carrying different counterions

We investigate the effect of different anions on the temperature-dependent solution properties of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels carrying alkylated ionic liquid vinylimidazolium moieties synthesized by a pre- and post-functionalization approach.

Graphical abstract: Pre- and post-functionalization of thermoresponsive cationic microgels with ionic liquid moieties carrying different counterions
Open Access Paper

Thermo- and pH-responsive poly[(diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate)-co-(2-diisopropylamino ethyl methacrylate)] hyperbranched copolymers: self-assembly and drug-loading

P(DEGMA-co-DIPAEMA) hyperbranched copolymers self-assemble into large polymeric aggregates in aqueous media, when the amino groups of DIPAEMA segments are fully protonated at extreme temperatures (25 °C and 55 °C).

Graphical abstract: Thermo- and pH-responsive poly[(diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate)-co-(2-diisopropylamino ethyl methacrylate)] hyperbranched copolymers: self-assembly and drug-loading
Paper

A self-crosslinking nanogel scaffold for enhanced catalytic efficiency and stability

We report a facile and efficient approach to prepare multifunctional bioinspired platforms under mild conditions that offer increased catalytic efficiency and stability.

Graphical abstract: A self-crosslinking nanogel scaffold for enhanced catalytic efficiency and stability
Paper

Model dynamic covalent thermoresponsive amphiphilic polymer co-networks based on acylhydrazone end-linked Tetronic T904 star block copolymers

Hydrogels based on acylhydrazone end-linked Tetronic T904 four-armed amphiphilic star block copolymers show thermally-induced aqueous self-assembly and toughening, and cross-link dissociation and association traceable via simple 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract: Model dynamic covalent thermoresponsive amphiphilic polymer co-networks based on acylhydrazone end-linked Tetronic T904 star block copolymers
From the themed collection: Polymer Chemistry Recent HOT Articles
Open Access Paper

Polymer architecture dictates thermoreversible gelation in engineered emulsions stabilised with branched copolymer surfactants

Polymer architecture allows control of thermoreversible gelation in branched copolymer-stabilised emulsions.

Graphical abstract: Polymer architecture dictates thermoreversible gelation in engineered emulsions stabilised with branched copolymer surfactants
Paper

Water-soluble copolymers and their hydrogels with pH-tunable diverse thermoresponsive behaviors enabled by hydrogen bonding

Water-soluble copolymers display both UCST and LCST thermosensitivity in aqueous solution due to pH-determined hydrogen bonding between comonomer units, and their hydrogels can be used for information recording and encryption/decryption.

Graphical abstract: Water-soluble copolymers and their hydrogels with pH-tunable diverse thermoresponsive behaviors enabled by hydrogen bonding
Paper

Confinement of proteins by thermoresponsive dendronized polymers

Dendronized polymers exhibit the confinement of guest proteins through crowding effects, which is tunable through their thermoresponsiveness. This confinement affords the proteins enhanced thermal stability and can modulate their bioactivity.

Graphical abstract: Confinement of proteins by thermoresponsive dendronized polymers
32 items

About this collection

This themed collection on Trends in Thermoresponsive Polymers: from Chemistry to Applications, Guest Edited by Theoni Georgiou (Imperial College London, UK), Richard Hoogenboom (Ghent University, Belgium) and Akihiko Kikuchi (Tokyo University of Science, Japan) aims to present the latest trends in the chemistry, characterisation, and applications of thermoresponsive polymers. New strategies for the synthesis of thermoresponsive polymers and their characterisation promise to enable a new era of functional thermoresponsive materials in variety fields of applications. Examples include methods to prepare synthetic polymers, hydrogels which show thermoresponsive properties, and their characterisation. These features can impact specific functions such as mechanical properties, self-assembly, or interactions with biological systems, and their applications in a variety of fields, including biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery and bioprinting.

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