Photoinduced polyelectrolyte complexation for the formation of stable films with reversible crosslinking.

ABSTRACT: Thin films formed by complexation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes have significant potential in applications such as separation membranes, biocompatible or anticorrosion coatings, and drug delivery systems. While layer-by-layer deposition is a reliable method for producing conformal films, this multi-step process limits scalability. In this study, we functionalize polymers with photoactive protecting and crosslinking groups, allowing a one-step approach for preparing polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) films. To achieve this goal, we introduced o-nitrobenzyl and coumarin groups into a polyanion. The o-nitrobenzyl protecting groups can be selectively deprotected upon exposure to 365 nm light, revealing charged pendent groups that initiate polyelectrolyte complexation. Simulta

SUBMITTER: Auepattana-Aumrung K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11886613 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature