Light-responsive reversible gels in water-based system 6

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Project objective

Research objectives and content Because of new rigorous environmental requirements, there is a need for water-based rheology modifiers like amphiphilic (or associating) polymers. Such additives are thickeners or gelifiers for complex formulations (pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paint,...). A fine tune of the properties upon variation of external control parameters is now sought in the latter systems. Thermoresponsive or pH-responsive polymers already exist. Less attention has however been paid to light-responsive liquids. The purpose of this project is to synthesise and study sets of light-responsive macromolecules that can form reversible crosslinks by self-association or by association with proteins. This will be achieved by modification of poly(acrylic acic) precursors with hydrophobic pendant groups and with light-responsive groups. The rheology of water solutions of these polymers will be investigated to characterise their associating properties and sol/gel transitions. Upon irradiation (UV-visible), light-responsive groups undergo reversible conformation transitions at the molecular level what is expected to modify the associating power of the chains and the sol/gel transition. Higher sensitivity to the slight conformational changes ought to be obtained using proteins, that can bind specifically the light-responsive pendant groups. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) This project is for me the opportunity to learn and practice rheology of soft materials. I used to work previously with dilute polymer solutions; gels and semi-dilute media sound quite new to me. Furthermore, I expect to benefit of the contacts with members of European networks, the host institute belong to. Finally, I plan to apply for a permanent position in Spain (what require to have spent at least 2 years abroad) aiming at contributing to develop polymer physical-chemistry in my country. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) The first efforts toward the synthesis of light-sensitive polymers have been supported by Rhone-Poulenc (letter enclosed) within, a one-year project entitled 'responsive polymers'. Although devoted to academic research, I expect my work being of interest for applications of polymer thickeners. Naturally, the host institute will remain in close contact with Rhone-Poulenc.

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Participants

• UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE - PARIS VI · PARISCoordinatorFrance

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