Supramolecular Stimuli-Responsive Microgels Crosslinked by Tannic Acid.

The application of biomolecules as building blocks is substantial for the design of bioinspired dynamic nanomaterials with tailored properties. In this communication, the facile synthesis of aqueous supramolecular temperature-responsive microgels is reported using the natural polyphenol tannic acid (TA) as physical crosslinker. The precipitation polymerization of N-vinylcaprolactam in the presence of this polyphenol leads to the formation of well-defined microgels crosslinked by hydrogen bonds. A systematic variation of the tannic acid content leads to tailored microgel properties. The obtained microgels exhibit reversible temperature-dependent swelling/deswelling and undergo pH-triggered degradation in aqueous solutions.