Compartmentalizing Supramolecular Hydrogels Using Aqueous Multi‐phase Systems

• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201706272
• Publication Date: 2017-08-17T07:55:41Z
• Authors: Serhii Mytnyk; Alexandre G. L. O...; Frank Versluis; Jos M. Poolman; Eduardo Mendes; Rienk Eelkema; Jan H. van Esch
• Keywords: Compartmentalization (fire protection); Aqueous two-phase system

Abstract A generic method is used for compartmentalization of supramolecular hydrogels by using water‐in‐water emulsions based on aqueous multi‐phase systems (AMPS). By forming the low‐molecular‐weight hydrogel throughout all phases all‐aqueous emulsions, distinct, micro‐compartmentalized materials were created. This structuring approach offers control over composition each type compartments directing partitioning objects to be encapsulated. Moreover, this allows barrier‐less, dynamic exchange even large hydrophilic solutes (MW≈60 kDa) between separate compartments. These features are expected find use in fields of, instance, micro‐structured catalysts, templating, and tissue engineering.