Analysis of polymer grafted inside the porous hydrogel using confocal laser scanning microscopy

Abstract

Abstract. Graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate onto the pore surface of polyacrylamide macroporous gel was implemented in DMSO-aqueous solution using diperiodatocuprate(III) complexes as an initiator. The grafting densities up to 410% were achieved. The graft polymerization was confirmed by gravimetrical methods and FTIR. The graft polymerization of polymer inside the pores of the macroporous gel resulted in increased flow resistance through the gel matrix. The distribution of grafted polymer on the gel pore surface material was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). CLSM is an alternative method for studying morphology of gel surface with grafted polymer having the advantages over the SEM allowing to investigate the distribution of grafted polymer inside the hydrogel in a native hydrated state. The microscopic techniques demonstrated uneven distribution of the grafted polymer inside the gel pores as a result of initiating the graft polymerization by insoluble initiator deposited on the pore surface.

Influence of ZrO2 nanoparticles and thermal treatment on the properties of PMMA/ZrO2 hybrid coatings

“…This technique allows scans at various x-y planes corresponding to different depths of the sample, and, thus to reconstruct the 3-D region of the specimen [29]. In this case, the three-dimensional structure reveals the spatial position of the particles in all directions, which is helpful to evaluate the effects on the optical, thermal and mechanical properties.…”

Nanocomposite Polymer Clay to Support the Release of Drug

“…The terminally attached polymer chains are flexible and capable of fast changing of their conformation. This feature has been used for increasing the swelling degree and swelling rate of hydrogels [5] and to accelerate the rate of shrinking/swelling of stimuli-sensitive hydrogels in response to changes of external condition (pH, temperature) [6].…”

Preparation of macroporous cryostructurated gel monoliths, their characterization and main applications

“…The most useful techniques for the analysis of the cryogel monoliths with soft and elastic morphology (e.g. pAAm, pHEMA, pNIPA‐based cryogels prepared via freeze–thawing) are confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) 54, 55, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) 16, 51, 56–58 and environmental SEM (ESEM) 41, 44, 50, 59. Worthwhile note that mercury porosimetry is not applicable for the analysis due to the soft morphology of these cryogels.…”