A pH-responsive poly(acrylic acid) nanoscale actuator

I. Saaem, M. Libera, J. Tian

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this report, we present the development of a nanoscale actuator that takes advantage of the properties of poly(Acrylic Acid) [PAA] hydrogels as well as an aqueous fluid environment to realize control of height change. We used spatially-resolved and focused low-energy electron beams to irradiate dry 40 nm thick PAA films. After developing in high pH buffer, non-irradiated films dissolved and irradiated polymer remained bonded to the substrate. We show that these gels translate to actuators that undergo height changes as a function of pH. Since the carboxyl groups are deprotonated at high pH, we studied the amount and activity of carboxyl groups in the hydrogels using infrared spectroscopy. Using atomic force microscopy we then studied how these hydrogels respond to aqueous environment, where change was photo-triggered using a photoacid generator.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication33rd Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference - Engineering Innovations in Life Sciences and Healthcare, NEBC
Pages236-237
Number of pages2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Event33rd Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, NEBC - Stony Brook, NY, United States
Duration: 10 Mar 200711 Mar 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, NEBEC
ISSN (Print)1071-121X

Conference

Conference33rd Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, NEBC
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityStony Brook, NY
Period10/03/0711/03/07

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