Utilizing molecular oxygen in hydrogel nanoparticles for efficient crosslinking
발표자
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초록
내용
Molecular oxygen (O2) is typically removed from the solvent prior to the free radical polymerization. However, we demonstrate that dissolved O2 in the solvent can actually be advantageous. When O2 is incorporated into the polymerized network as peroxides, it can serve as a source for on-demand radical generation. We synthesize hydrogel nanoparticles based on polyethylene glycol through free radical polymerization in the presence of dissolved O2. When exposed to body temperature, mechanical shear, or drying conditions (such as during coating), these hydrogel nanoparticles generate free radicals at the chain ends, enabling the nanoparticles to crosslink themselves and form a bulk polymer network. We explore potential applications of these hydrogel nanoparticles in injectable hydrogels and efficient coating processes.