Responsive polymer networks and methods of their use
AssigneeMedLogic Global Corporation
InventorsLev Bromberg, Elmer Cornelius (E.C.) Lupton, Matthew E. Schiller, Mary Jo (M.J.) Timm, George McKinney
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Abstract
A responsive polymer network exhibiting the property of reversible gelation in response to a change in an environmental stimulus is provided. The aqueous solution of the network polymer, comprises about 0.01 to 20 wt % by weight of a responsive component and about 0.01 to 20 wt % by weight of a structural component capable of supporting and interacting with the responsive component. The aqueous composition exhibits at least a five-fold increase in viscosity upon gelation. The gelation may be triggered by a change in an environmental stimulus, such as temperature, pH and ionic strength.
Claims33
An responsive polymer network, comprising:
- a responsive component capable of aggregation in response to a change in an environmental stimulus;
- a structural component which supports and interacts with the responsive component;
- and
- an aqueous-based solvent
- wherein said responsive polymer network comprises less than about 4 weight percent of total polymer solids and further wherein the viscosity of the responsive polymer network increases by at least about 30 times or more upon exposure to the environmental stimulus and still further wherein the responsive and structural components interact with one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.