Integrated adaptive systems based on stimuliresponsive capsules

Zhou, Hongda (2023) Integrated adaptive systems based on stimuliresponsive capsules. Doctor of Philosophy thesis, University of Liverpool.

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Abstract

The development of stimuli-responsive materials has received outstanding success for the design of smart switchable materials in various research fields, such as sensors, photonics, biomaterials, and other applications. However, stimuli-responsive materials generally respond passively to single stimuli. Now we are at a point where an increasing amount of molecular mechanisms of complicated functions in living organisms have been illuminated. These dynamic behaviours and advanced functions of living systems are inspiring us to design the next generation of intelligent materials systems to perform more progressive and unprecedented functionalities- adaptive and interactive properties. By utilizing different stimuli-responsive capsules as the building blocks, we built integrated systems to perform types of advanced functions, including sensing, communication, and self-regulation. First, we synthesise inorganic nanospheres (TiO2, SiO2) with mesoporous or hollow structures as supporting materials for stimuli-responsive capsules. Then, several polymer materials (polydopamine, polyelectrolytes) were used to combine with inorganic nanospheres to prepare hybrid smart capsules. One integrated system consisting of light-responsive TiO2/Polydopamine capsules and pH-responsive SiO2/Polyelectrolytes capsules was prepared to sense the external stimulus, transmit chemical signalling, and autonomic communication-controlled release of active cargos. The system shows an autonomic three-stage release process with a “jet lag” feature, showing the internal modulation ability of self-controlled release efficiency. Another system was prepared by a combination of pH-responsive capsules (Urea@H-SiO2@PE) and enzyme-immobilized microgels particles to mimic life systems. The system exhibits temporal control and communication-feedback mechanism, allowing to programme interactive communications modes and self-regulation behaviour.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctor of Philosophy)
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	31 Jan 2024 09:31
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2024 09:31
DOI:	10.17638/03172240
Supervisors:	Shchukin, Dmitry
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3172240