Rapid switching release in response to multi-stimuli using stimuli-responsive hydrogels

Incorporation of functional groups into the thermoresponsive hydrogels is a very effective method for development of the double-stimuli responsive wares. In this study, we incorporate the linear poly(acrylic acid) chain into the hydrogels with the tunnel-like nano pores by the polymerization of the acrylic acid monomer inside the hydrogels (Porous semi-IPNs). The porous semi-IPNs showed a rapid deswelling in response to either a change in pH or temperature, regardless of the environment, presumably due to the nano-tracts through which the water was rapidly released from the hydrogel without any interference by network shrinking. The novel network design of these nano-tracted semi-IPNs may be useful for high performance, dual molecule-release functions.