Work

Kinetic Locking of pH-Sensitive Complexes for Mechanically Responsive Polymer Networks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Achieving sensitive and reversible responsivity over physiologically relevant pH ranges (4.5-7.5) remains of great interest for the design of next-generation autonomous drug delivery devices. Developing molecular interactions that are responsive within this pH range would enable targeted drug delivery at tumor sites or within inflamed or arthritic joints, where these changes in pH occur. Here, we demonstrate pH-responsive molecular interactions by the kinetic locking of host-guest complexes. Employing these complexes as dynamic crosslinks within polymer networks gives rise to materials with highly pH-responsive mechanical and viscoelastic properties. These systems further exhibit pH-dependent release of cargo, offering a self-responsive approach toward targeted drug delivery.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c09897

Authors: Stephen J.K. O’Neill, Yuen Cheong Tse, Zehuan Huang, Xiaoyi Chen, Jade A. McCune, Oren A. Scherman

Institution: University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Christ's College, University of Cambridge, H2020 European Research Council