Dynamic Covalent Cross-Linked Nanogel-Stabilized Pickering Emulsion for Responsive Microstructures

Abstract

Designing new dynamic matrices in combination with a highly diverse material formation approach as Pickering emulsions provides the tools to engineer innovative dynamic porous microstructures in a highly controllable fashion. Here, nanogels (nGels) are used, which exhibit dynamic covalent cross-linking capabilities, as surface stabilizing agents in view of their highly controllable physiochemical properties. The method provides the successful formation of dynamic covalent cross-linked hydrogel microstructures based on ketone and amine-functionalized nGels using Pickering emulsions. In this system, a pH-triggerable responsive behavior is incorporated. The physiochemical properties of the resulting microstructure can be further tailored by modifying the intramolecular interactions at the interface, making these systems interesting for a wide range of applications.