SFB 985: Functional Microgels and Microgel Systems

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Research in polymer science focuses more than ever on mimicking complex systems found in nature. The amazing functionalities of living systems are realized by a combination of structural hierarchical organization over many length scales, achieved by self-assembly in an aqueous environment and which also has the ability to respond to external triggers. By means of microgels, we can similarly organize polymers in defined architectures to enhance and vary their function in fields such as catalysis, separation, delivery, and mechanical support. These are all important processes in many applications, ranging from synthesis, scavenging, catalysis and sensors, to medical applications. These considerations set the frame for the research program for the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 985 Functional Microgels and Microgel Systems and its evolution into its third research period. The unique properties of colloidal microgels as open, water-swollen, and soft polymer networks render them ideal building blocks for applications that require large substrates, containers, and responsivity, or transport via diffusion. Microgels with precisely selected architectures, molecular weights, backbone, side groups, and reactive moieties are synthesized to tailor their function on a molecular level, while their self-assembly and/or crosslinking results in larger, more complex materials entities. Self-organized microgel systems with hierarchical arrangement of molecular entities are characterized by compartmentalization of system functions, leading to complex superstructures with selective and directed transport and shape changing properties, as well as controlled chemical transformation.In the second period, microgels have been fabricated with different sizes, shapes, and architectures, in many cases in continuous processes for upscale. In the third period, the functional use of the microgels will be employed to establish smart bio-inspired materials systems. Microgels can achieve switchable properties that enable adaptability of form and function as they combine properties of dissolved macromolecules with those of colloidal particles. The different multi-functional compartments inside microgels can communicate with each other, while on the other hand, microgels can assemble into or with larger materials constructs to achieve specific functional barriers or scaffolds.Our SFB brings together research groups from polymer science, chemical engineering and life sciences. These groups work in a convergent manner to find new approaches and solutions to existing and emerging challenges. This special combination enables us to address microgel research in a comprehensive approach on three levels: the design of the functional microgel and its interaction with the environment, the technical-scale product-process design, and the novel application system.