Temperature, pH, and Glucose Responsive Gels via Simple Mixing of Boroxole- and Glyco-Based Polymers

Statistical copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and 5-methacrylamido-1,2-benzoxaborole (MAAmBo) have been synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The solution properties of the NIPAAm homopolymers and statistical copolymers were investigated and it was found that, besides temperature and pH, the statistical copolymers were also responsive to the presence of free glucose in solution. Furthermore, responsive hydrogels and nanogels were formed spontaneously by simply mixing the statistical copolymers of P(NIPAAm-st-MAAmBO)s and well-defined glycopolymers. These gels were found to have temperature, pH, and glucose responsive properties.