polyNIPAM surface modifier

The Uses of polyNIPAM surface modifier

• Used in the synthesis of microspheres which are used in drug-delivery systems.
• Used in fluidic devices, in protein affinity separation, and as cell culture substrates.

General Description

Poly(N-isopropylacryamide) (PNIPAAm) is a thermoresponsive polymer. It is soluble in water below its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) (32°C) whereas it forms intramolecular hydrogen bonds thus becoming insoluble at temperatures above its LCST. PNIPAAm is functionalized with a silane coupling agent like triethoxysilane in order to reduce its surface energy thus making it hydrophobic. Triethoxysilane terminated PNIPAAm thus exhibits a switchable superhydrophobic/hydrophilic surface and are widely used as hydrophobic valves in microfluidic channels.