Amplified responses in materials using linear polymers that depolymerize from end‐to‐end when exposed to specific stimuli

Abstract

This review describes new types of smart materials that have the dual capabilities of responding to selective signals and providing an amplified response. Amplification arises from a signal-induced depolymerization reaction, where a single signaling event causes an entire polymer to convert to small molecules. When incorporated into a material, depolymerization of these polymers causes a change in shape, internal structure, or surfaces properties of the material. Moreover, the small molecules arising from depolymerization can play a role in the amplified response, particularly when they provide a secondary function (e.g., production of color or fluorescence). A brief overview of the current examples of linear depolymerizable polymers is provided, as are representative proof-of-concept applications of these polymers in the context of diagnostics and materials that remodel themselves and/or their surroundings. Together, these examples highlight the potential of this new class of polymers to provide unique and dramatic function to stimuli-responsive materials.

Determination of ceiling temperature and thermodynamic properties of low ceiling temperature polyaldehydes

“…Self‐immolative polymers are of interest due to their ability to rapidly depolymerize when triggered . Self‐immolative polymers which depolymerize into small monomer units can be used in applications such as drug delivery, dry developing photoresists, transient electronics, and recyclable plastics .…”

Selbstzerlegende Spacer: kinetische Aspekte, Struktur‐Eigenschafts‐Beziehungen und Anwendungen

“…Seit ihrer Einführung 198111–17 haben selbstzerlegende Spacer Verwendung in Prodrugs,4, 18–32 in Sensoren für Chemikalien und Enzyme33–41 und in der Wirkstoff‐Freisetzung gefunden 26–28. 30–32, 42–46 Darüber hinaus werden selbstzerlegende Spacer zunehmend in der Materialwissenschaft genutzt,47–51 wo ihre spezielle Eigenschaft – der kinetisch programmierbare Selbstzerfall – einzigartige Möglichkeiten für die Handhabung nachhaltiger Materialien bietet.…”

Microvascular-based self-healing materials

“…Alternatively, a circulation-based approach could use cells or other chemical means to approximate an immune response. Chemical means to amplify signals of mechanical damage could be detected from a circulating fluid [99]. Circulating "cells" have been proposed to deliver healants directly to damage cites; agglomeration of cells could similarly form blockages to prevent catastrophic fluid loss [100,101].…”