pH-Switchable Macroscopic Assembly through Host-Guest Inclusion

• Published in: Macromolecular rapid communications. 2013-07, Vol.34 (14), p.1174-1180
• Main Authors: Yuan, Qi-Juan, Wang, Yi-Fu, Li, Jian-Hu, Li, Bang-Jing, Zhang, Sheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Alginates - chemistry; alpha-Cyclodextrins - chemistry; Applied sciences; Assembly; Biocompatibility; cyclodextrin; DETA; Exact sciences and technology; Glucuronic Acid - chemistry; Hexuronic Acids - chemistry; host-guest systems; Hydrogels; Hydrogels - chemistry; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; macroscopic assembly; Materials Testing; Natural polymers; pH sensitive; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polyamines - chemistry; Polymers; Self assembly; Starch and polysaccharides
• ISSN: 1022-1336; 1521-3927
• DOI: 10.1002/marc.201300289

A novel pH‐switchable macroscopic assembly is reported using alginate‐based hydrogels functionalized with host (α‐cyclodextrin, αCD) and guest (diethylenetriamine, DETA) moieties. Since the interaction of αCD and DETA is pH sensitive, the host hydrogel and guest hydrogel could adhere together when the pH is 11.5 and separate when the pH is 7.0. Furthermore, this pH‐controlled adhesion and dissociation shows a good reversibility. The host and guest polymers have good biocompatibility; therefore, this pH‐sensitive macroscopic assembly shows great potential in biotechnological and biomedical applications. A novel pH‐switchable macroscopic self‐assembly is developed using the pH‐sensitive inclusion behavior between α‐CD and DETA groups, which can adhere together at pH 11.5 and separate when the pH is 7.0. This pH‐controlled adhesion and dissociation shows a good reversibility. Furthermore, the host and guest polymers have good biocompatibility.