Development of a Potassium-Ion-Responsive Star Copolymer with Controlled Aggregation/Dispersion Transition.

ABSTRACT: Stimuli-responsive star polymers are promising functional materials whose aggregation, adhesion, and interaction with cells can be altered by applying suitable stimuli. Among several stimuli assessed, the potassium ion (K⁺), which is known to be captured by crown ethers, is of considerable interest because of the role it plays in the body. In this study, a K⁺-responsive star copolymer was developed using a polyglycerol (PG) core and grafted copolymer arms consisting of a thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) unit, a metal ion-recognizing benzo-18-crown-6-acrylamide unit, and a photoluminescent fluorescein O-methacrylate unit. Via optimization of grafting density and copolymerization ratio of grafted arms, along with the use of hydrophilic hyperbr

SUBMITTER: Nakamura N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9835639 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature