Synthesis of intelligent nanogels using photopolymerization techniques in continuous flow devices

FRANCISCO FIGÜEROA; JAZMÍN TORRES; MÓNICA GARCÍA; MIRIAM STRUMIA; GABRIELA OKSDATH MANSILLA

Congreso; III Brazil-Argentine Microfluidics Congress and VI Congreso de Microfluídica Argentina; 2022

Delivery of bioactive molecules is one of the most relevant fields for theapplications of micro- and nanogels. Various environmental stimuli, includinginternal (pH, redox potential, and enzyme) and external (light and additives),have been used to trigger the dissociation of micro- and nanogels, facilitatingthe drug release.1 In the last years, the synthesis of nanomaterials using processintensification, has gained importance due to its effectiveness in the utilization ofavailable resources. Maximum conversion, high safety and minimal or optimalenergy losses are the primary focus in the intensified design approach.2 Inthis sense, continuous flow devices in combination with photopolymerizationtechniques allows strict control over the reaction conditions and the possibilityof tuning the final properties of the material obtained.In this work, the synthesis of thermoresponsive nanogels based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and Bis-Acrylamide (Bis), was carried out, using photoinducedpolymerization in continuous flow reactors. Two photoinitiation systemswere evaluated under UV-visible light (λ=395nm, violet LED) and visible-lightirradiation (at λ=435, blue LED). Additionally, the nanogels formation and insitu encapsulation of ciprofloxacine, was performed in a continuous process.