Biomedical Engineering Reference
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polyelectrolyte chains. Moreover, XRR analysis revealed that the
Au NPs are formed within the polymer-brush layer. Interestingly,
AFM experiments confirmed that the swelling behavior of the
brush layer is not perturbed by the presence of the loaded NPs
(Fig. 4.22). The Au NP-poly-METAC nanocomposite is remarkably
stable to aqueous environments, suggesting the feasibility of using this
kind of nanocomposite systems as robust and reliable stimuli-
responsive platforms.
4.7 OTHERS
Counterions of ILs could be facilely exchanged in solution, thus
based on a surfactant with an imidazolium unit, the ion-exchange
reaction from bromine ion to hexafluorophosphate ion resulted
in the amphiphilic-to-hydrophobic transition of the imidazolium
salt, leading to the destruction of the micelles (Fig. 4.23), i.e., an
ion-responsive micelle system was proposed [71]. This simple
process was rapid, taking only one or two seconds from addition
of the hexafluorophosphate ions to precipitation being formed.
Furthermore, this procedure was much quicker than dissolution
of micelles in response to other external stimuli such as light, heat
or pH. Potential application for transportation of oil was highly
anticipated, which is easier to pump through pipelines in an
emulsified state that is less viscous than oil alone. However, the
oil must be easily recoverable from this emulsified state after
transportation. Here the ILs surfactant approach satisfied these
criteria. Moreover, these smart surfactants would find other
applications in the fields of nanoscience and polymer science, which
would greatly benefit both fundamental research and industry.
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