Synthesis of intelligent nanogels using photopolymerization techniques in continuous flow devices

FIGUEROA, FRANCISCO; TORRES, JAZMIN; GARCÍA, MÓNICA C.; STRUMIA, MIRIAM; OKSDATH-MANSILLA, GABRIELA

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

Delivery of bioactive molecules is one of the most relevant fields for the applications of micro- and nanogels. Various environmental stimuli, including internal (pH, redox potential, and enzyme) and external (light and additives), have been used to trigger the dissociation of micro- and nanogels, facilitating the drug release.1 In the last years, the synthesis of nanomaterials using process intensification, has gained importance due to its effectiveness in the utilization of available resources. Maximum conversion, high safety and minimal or optimal energy losses are the primary focus in the intensified design approach.2 In this sense, continuous flow devices in combination with photopolymerization techniques allows strict control over the reaction conditions and the possibility of tuning the final properties of the material obtained. In this work, the synthesis of thermoresponsive nanogels based on N -isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and Bis-Acrylamide (Bis), was carried out, using photoinduced polymerization in continuous flow reactors. Two photoinitiation systems were evaluated under UV-visible light (λ=395nm, violet LED) and visible-light irradiation (at λ=435, blue LED). Additionally, the nanogels formation and in situ encapsulation of ciprofloxacine, was performed in a continuous process.