Synthesis of Temperature-Sensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel with Improved Surface Property.

A new PNIPA hydrogel was synthesized by carrying out the polymerization in the gelated corn starch aqueous solution. This PNIPA hydrogel has an improved surface property and does not form the disadvantageous bubbles during the shrinking process. This change is due to the hydrogen bonds between the corn starch and the hydrophilic side groups of the PNIPA chains, which let the starch act as the long graft-like chains of the PNIPA hydrogel. During the reswelling process, this PNIPA hydrogel exhibits a sigmoidal swelling pattern. This hydrogel with improved surface property may be very useful for the potential applications of the temperature-sensitive hydrogel. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.