Photomediated post-fabrication modification of azlactone-functionalized gels for the development of hydrogel actuators.

Fitzgerald, Emily R; Mineo, Autumn M; Pryor, Mae L; Buck, Maren E · Soft Matter · 2020

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We report an approach for the photomediated post-fabrication modification of reactive, azlactone-containing gels using light-initiated deprotection of amines caged with 2-(nitrophenyl)propyloxycarbonyl (NPPOC). Photomediated modification of these gels can be used to generate a gradient in chemical functionality. When functionalized with tertiary amine groups, these gradient gels exhibit rapid and reversible shape deformations in response to changes in pH.