INTELLIGENT SOFT MATERIALS FOR BIO-BASED APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Recent improvements in the mechanical properties of hydrogels have generated considerable interest in their use as intelligent soft materials for biomedical applications. This thesis focuses on the development of stimuli-responsive hydrogels for potential use in the areas of healthcare and biomedical devices. It includes work derived from 1 published review, 2 published articles, 2 submitted manuscripts and research findings from an overseas project. The thesis starts with a brief introduction to the fields of soft materials, intelligent materials and biomaterials, followed by a literature review on recent findings and research directions in these areas. Specific experimental methods relevant to hydrogels are then discussed, followed by two studies on the relevance of equilibrium swelling in hydrogels. Following this, results from the development of a tough and physically cross-linked hydrogel are shown. The biocompatibility of this material is then evaluated and the material is used in a demonstration for an on-demand drug delivery device. The fourth study focuses on structural colouration from phospholipid-based photonic crystals. The crystals are incorporated into a hydrogel and shown to have mechanochromic sensing abilities. Finally, the thesis closes off with general conclusions and recommendations for continuation of the work presented here.