(718i) “Smart” Applications of Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels are a class of interesting materials that change their sizes under the influence of an external stimulus (e.g., pH, temperature, glucose, ions, and many types of biomolecules, such as antigens and enzymes). They have been used in many different types of applications that involve the detection of stimulus of the local environment, such as targeted drug delivery and responsive actuations. This presentation describes advanced “smart” functions of the stimuli-responsive hydrogels through assembly of the hydrogels with other materials. For complex analysis of the surrounding, logical operations can be performed using modular building blocks of stimuli-responsive hydrogels. Coating the surface of stimuli-responsive hydrogels with different types of functionalities (e.g., superhydrophobic nanoparticles) can give rise to a wide range of wettability (e.g., from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic), a highly sensitive low-cost diagnostic device, and a method for killing cancer cells.