Autonomic self-regulating systems based on polyelectrolyte microcapsules and microgel particles

Zhou, Hongda, Cheng, Rui, Quarrell, Matthew and Shchukin, Dmitry ORCID: 0000-0002-2936-804X (2023) Autonomic self-regulating systems based on polyelectrolyte microcapsules and microgel particles. JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE, 638. pp. 403-411.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.111

Abstract

Biological systems possess unique non-equilibrium functions, maintaining tight manipulation of their surroundings through inter-communication of multiple components and self-regulatory capability organized over different length scales. However, most artificial materials are incapable of communicating and self-regulating behavior due to their limited number of component and direct responsive modes. Herein, a new integrated self-regulation system is developed utilizing stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte capsules as building blocks. The combination of stimuli-responsive capsules and enzyme immobilized microgels is designed to mimic life systems and its programmable interactive communications and self-regulation behavior is demonstrated through communication-feedback mechanism. Polyelectrolyte capsules can sense changes of their surrounding, then start the internal communication by releasing energy-rich cargo mimicking the behavior of the cells. The microgel particles subsequently complete closed-loop communication through providing negative feedback on capsules by enzymatic reaction and actuating pH-regulation of the whole system. Different communication modes and pH-regulation behaviors could be achieved by adjusting spatial and kinetic conditions. Proposed intelligent system is highly customizable due to the wide selection of encapsulated cargos, stimuli-responsive blocks and reaction networks, and would have broad influences in areas ranging from medical implants that assist in stabilizing body functions to microreactor system that regulate catalytic reactions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Communication, Encapsulation, Non-equilibrium system, Self-regulation, Stimuli-responsive
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2023 11:37
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2023 11:37
DOI:	10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.111
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.111
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3168694