Salt effect on microscopic structure and stability of colloidal complex obtained from neutral/polyelectrolyte block copolymer and oppositely charged surfactant.

The salt effect on complex formation of poly(acrylamide)-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PAM-b-PAA) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) at different NaBr concentrations, C(NaBr), was investigated by laser light scattering (LLS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). LLS and SANS clearly indicates that the aqueous solution of PAM-b-PAA and DTAB associate into colloidal complexes. For low surfactant-to-polymer charge ratio Z lower than the critical value Z(C), the colloidal complexes are single DTAB micelles dressed by a few PAM-b-PAA.

Design of an injectable in situ gelation biomaterials for vitreous substitute.

To adapt the physical properties of living materials to their biological function, nature developed various types of polymers with outstanding physical behavior. One example is the vitreous body, which is important intraocular elements not only because of its optical and mechanical performances, but also due to its important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of conditions affecting adjacent tissues and eventually the whole eye. Here, we report a novel biocompatible material for injectable vitreous substitute, composed of thermosensitive amphiphilic polymer, which is capable of forming a transparent gel in the vitreous cavity.