Laboratory for the Development and Application of Advanced Functional Polymeric Materials

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The research proposed in this DG is aimed at developing novel materials that can be used to solve human health and environmental problems. To accomplish this, we will develop new technologies capable of: 1) detecting molecular indicators of disease; 2) delivering small molecule therapeutics to systems in a controlled and triggered fashion; 3) lifting weights and actuating in response to environmental triggers; 4) removing organic and heavy metal contaminants from contaminated water using fibers from renewable resources. These technologies will be developed by modification of the chemistry of polymers and polymer-based systems to yield a given function. Specifically, the group has developed layered materials made of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel particles (microgels) that exhibit visual color. Beginning in 2009, we have modified this technology such that it can be used to detect small DNA sequences. In one example, part of the work proposed in this DG will focus on new ways to detect DNA, allowing long (100 bases long) DNA to be detected. This will be important for achieving point 1 above. We also showed that the same technology could be used to control the release and delivery of small molecules to various systems. In this DG, we will further develop the technology to gain finer control of the delivery characteristics, moving to the point where these devices can be coated onto medical devices, which can release therapeutic drugs capable of preventing infections induced by implants and implantation procedures. Finally, our materials can be used as artificial muscles and actuators that are triggered in response to external stimuli. Our muscles are stronger pound-for-pound than humans. This DG will focus on turning this technology into devices that actuate in response electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic (light) fields. These devices will also be used to deliver small molecule therapeutic drugs to a variety of systems (including biological), among other things. The group's efforts will also focus on further developing our polymer-based technologies for removing small molecule and heavy metal contaminants from water (i.e., water remediation). For this DG, we will focus our efforts on developing polymer-based materials made from fibers obtained from renewable resources. A comprehensive study of the recyclability and reusability of the materials will also be undertaken. Multiple other avenues of research will be pursued with the DG funds requested here. For example, our polymer-based actuators will be modified such that they can be used for detecting molecules of interest. Furthermore, electrical properties of our layered materials will be investigated, and correlated with the concentration of a molecule of interest. In another example, we will develop novel microgels that can be used for diagnosing skin cancer. All projects are focused on solving health and environmental problems.**