New directions in thermoresponsive polymers

Chem Soc Rev. 2013 Sep 7;42(17):7214-43. doi: 10.1039/c3cs35499g. Epub 2013 Feb 28.

Abstract

Interest in thermoresponsive polymers has steadily grown over many decades, and a great deal of work has been dedicated to developing temperature sensitive macromolecules that can be crafted into new smart materials. However, the overwhelming majority of previously reported temperature-responsive polymers are based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), despite the fact that a wide range of other thermoresponsive polymers have demonstrated similar promise for the preparation of adaptive materials. Herein, we aim to highlight recent results that involve thermoresponsive systems that have not yet been as fully considered. Many of these (co)polymers represent clear opportunities for advancements in emerging biomedical and materials fields due to their increased biocompatibility and tuneable response. By highlighting recent examples of newly developed thermoresponsive polymer systems, we hope to promote the development of new generations of smart materials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemical synthesis
  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Dendrimers / chemistry
  • Lactams / chemistry
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Pyrrolidines / chemistry
  • Pyrrolidinones / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Dendrimers
  • Lactams
  • Peptides
  • Pyrrolidines
  • Pyrrolidinones
  • poly-N-isopropylacrylamide
  • pyrrolidine