Patterned dual pH-responsive core-shell hydrogels with controllable swelling kinetics and volumes.

Abstract

Dual pH-responsive core-shell hydrogels containing both a vinyl pyridine component and a 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate component were prepared using an in situ photopolymerization process. Complementary photomasks were utilized to prepare hydrogels with core/shell volume ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2. Depending on the location of each polymer component, dramatically different swelling profiles were achieved. Selective swelling of the shell followed by the core components allowed the hydrogel to expand with the usual kinetics; however, by switching the location of each polymer component and swelling the core first, swelling rates decreased by over 1 order of magnitude and were dependent on the shell component's volume. The ability to pattern core/shell volumes also provided the ability to fabricate hydrogels that possess a constant maximum diameter but different cutoff points between its first and its second transition volumes. These materials may be of interest for controlled release applications.