Colloidal microgel systems have emerged as powerful materials with tunable properties, offering a vast array of applications across scientific disciplines. This presentation covers two works focusing on the synthesis of microgels with novel functionalities and their integration with inorganic nanoparticles to enable innovative advancements.
In the first part of the presentation, I will introduce a novel synthesis route for supramolecular microgels with diverse morphologies (spherical, rod-shaped, anisotropic hollow) using droplet-based microfluidics. The natural polyphenol tannic acid (TA) serves as a physical cross-linker, forming hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl groups of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) chains. This approach enables on-chip gelation, allowing precise control over gel morphology and aspect ratios. Since the cross-linking of the polymers is based on reversible supramolecular interactions (hydrogen bonds), the resulting colloidal gels exhibit pH-responsiveness, and all synthesized particles can be degraded by increasing the pH.
In the second part, I will demonstrate a strategic approach to achieve synergies by combining microgels with metallic nanoparticles. Different incorporation techniques will be showcased, including droplet-based microfluidics, precipitation polymerization (with post hetero-coagulation), and two-photon polymerization. These methods efficiently integrate metallic nanoparticles into microgels, tailoring their properties for specific applications. These hybrid systems have demonstrated remarkable performance in catalytic reactions, responsive multi-material systems, and as components of synthetic microswimmers.
This work highlights the versatility and transformative potential of microgels, from the supramolecular design stage to advanced hybrid systems, paving the way for applications in responsive materials, active matters, and environmental engineering.