The internal structure of a thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brush coating has been investigated via neutron reflectometry and small angle neutron scattering (SANS).[1] PNIPAM is a thermoresponsive polymer with an entropically driven lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Below the LCST, the polymer will hydrogen bond with H2O, solubilising the chains. Above the LCST,...
There is growing concern about plastic waste in the environment, and its impact on biological organisms. While bulk plastics are thought to be non-toxic, when the plastics break down to a sub-micron length scale (i.e. nanoplastics), they obtain extra mobility inside living things, and may cause various adverse effects [1,2]. This, coupled with a lack of knowledge surrounding the dangers from...
Layers of densely-tethered polymers (polymer brushes) are of interest due to their potential applications as nano-actuators, biocompatible coatings, and switchable lubricating or antifouling surfaces. These applicable properties are dependant on the structure of the polymer interface, so it is important that the structural effects of common compounds and relevant environmental variables be...
Suspensions of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) stabilized with emulsifiers have been extensively investigated as drug carriers since the 1990s, although details of their ultrastructure are poorly defined. Previously, our group reported a novel microwave-assisted microemulsion-based technique to prepare SLNs. Ultrastructure generally relates to interior of the particle and can relate to...