Subcompartmentalized polymer hydrogel capsules with selectively degradable carriers and subunits.

Subcompartmentalized hydrogel capsules (SHCs) with selectively degradable carriers and subunits are designed for potential applications in drug delivery and microencapsulated biocatalysis. Thiolated poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) are used to assemble 3-microm-diameter carrier capsules and 300-nm-diameter subunits, independently stabilized by a diverse range of covalent linkages. This paper presents examples of SHCs with tens of subcompartments and their successful drug loading, as well as selective degradation of the SHC carrier and/or subunits in response to multiple chemical stimuli.

Porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels synthesized within high internal phase emulsions.

Hydrogels, such as those based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), are hydrophilic three dimensional network structures that undergo extensive swelling in water. PolyHIPEs are highly porous, crosslinked polymers typically synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). This research describes materials with enhanced water absorption that combine hydrogel water absorption with capillary action by synthesizing PHEMA-based polyHIPEs within oil-in-water HIPEs.