Core − shell microgels with controlled structural properties

Abstract

Core − shell microgels with controlled structural properties Here we report on the multistep synthesis of fluorescent core−shell microgels with inner and surface controlled composition. The tunability and versatility of this approach was confirmed in each step of the synthesis by confocal imaging, XPS and AFM. In particular, the in situ AFM measurements allowed us to study the swelling behaviour to understand the structural organization of the layers at single particle level.

Bioengineering Microgels and Hydrogel Microparticles for Sensing Biomolecular Targets

“…The main aim of microgel realization relies on the control of desirable size distribution, colloidal stability, and the presence of functional groups at specific locations (i.e., cross-linker, charged groups, or reactive centers) useful for further chemical derivatization [6,36,37]. The commonly adopted approach for microgel synthesis is (co)polymerization of vinyl monomers with cross-linker via radical polymerization.…”

“…Further the dependence on the cross-linking density of the shell a gradient compression or “shrink-wrapping” of the core can be observed. Battista et al [36] obtained core/shell microgels through a multistep procedure combining free-radical precipitation polymerization and seeding polymerization, using PEGDMA as main cross-linker. Microgels were designed with unique encoding system to match the requirements of a multiplex analysis.…”

“…However, a small amount of co-monomers with carboxyl or amine functionalities are used during the polymerization step to allow further functionalization of hydrogels in a post synthesis phase. This approach is followed for conjugation of molecules that cannot withstand polymerization reaction conditions [36]. Most of the standard techniques for coupling small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and proteins are applicable to microgels [53].…”

“…Furthermore, click reactions are orthogonal with respect other approaches so that increasing the possibility of conjugating multiple molecules on one particle without side reactions. Thus, biotin, streptavidin, proteins, and oligonucleotides have been conjugated to microgels [26,36].…”

Nanomedicine Advancing from Bench to Bedside: the Role of Polymeric Materials

“…Novel functional and stimuli‐sensitive polymeric materials are described by Roy et al and Battista et al. Both Boffitto et al and Di Mascolo et al propose the design of new degradable bulk polymeric materials for the realization of nanoconstructs with superior properties in terms of drug formulation and delivery.…”