Print Email Facebook Twitter Gamma Radiation Induced Contraction of Alkyne Modified Polymer Hydrogels Title Gamma Radiation Induced Contraction of Alkyne Modified Polymer Hydrogels Author Breve, T. (TU Delft ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter) Liu, H. (TU Delft RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes) Denkova, A.G. (TU Delft RST/Applied Radiation & Isotopes) Eelkema, R. (TU Delft ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter) Date 2021 Abstract Gamma radiation triggered secondary crosslinking of dextran hydrogels leads to macroscopic hydrogel contraction. The authors use stable polymer hydrogels, prepared through azide-alkyne crosslinking, containing surplus alkyne groups. γ-irradiation of these gels leads to more alkyne crosslinking, enabling controlled increase of crosslink density, which in turn leads to an increase of hydrogel stiffness and macroscopic hydrogel contraction. Gel contraction scales linearly with the applied radiation dose. The same mechanism is applied to achieve γ-radiation triggered release of the small molecule cargo, akin to wringing out a sponge. γ-irradiation of touching hydrogel objects leads to gel fusion and the formation of a self-supporting gel connection, demonstrating the reactivity of the excess alkyne groups. They envision applications in gel gluing and the construction of complex gel architectures, as well as in responsive materials for controlled release. Subject controlled releasegamma radiationhydrogel contractionhydrogel fusion To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:2063cfc2-0449-4685-994c-aa6bc0c1dd8e DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202100623 ISSN 1438-7492 Source Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 307 (3) Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2021 T. Breve, H. Liu, A.G. Denkova, R. Eelkema Files PDF mame.202100623.pdf 1.53 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:2063cfc2-0449-4685-994c-aa6bc0c1dd8e/datastream/OBJ/view