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ConfocAl Microscopy and real-time Rheology of dynamIc hyroGels

Cel

Hydrogels cross-linked through supramolecular interactions are highly dependant on the dynamic charac- teristics of the physical cross-links. Few fundamental studies have been undertaken to quantitatively de- scribe structure-property relationships for these types of systems. Hydrogels formed from CB[8]-mediated supramolecular physical cross-linking mechanisms have gained significant interest on account of their excel- lent physical and mechanical properties such as self-healing and shear-thinning. This supramolecular motif has been further exploited to introduce and compatibilise a wide variety of different materials into hydrogel networks without phase separation, forming hybrid composite hydrogels attributed with unique and emergent properties. This proposal aims to pioneer the combination of several state-of-the-art characterisation tech- niques into an unique experimental setup (CAM-RIG), which will combine super-resolution and confocal microscopy imaging modalities with simultaneous strain-controlled rheological measurements to investigate fundamental structure-property relationships of these systems. For the first time it will be possible to decon- volute the molecular-level dynamics of the supramolecular physical cross-links from chain entanglement of the polymeric networks and understand their relative contributions on the resultant properties of the hydrogels. Using the fundamental insight gained, a set of key parameters will be determined to maximise the potential of supramolecular biocompatible hydrogels, driving paradigm shifts in sustainable science and biomaterial applications through the precise tuning of physical properties.

System finansowania

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

Instytucja przyjmująca

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Wkład UE netto
€ 2 038 120,00
Adres
TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS
CB2 1TN Cambridge
Zjednoczone Królestwo

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Region
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Rodzaj działalności
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Linki
Koszt całkowity
€ 2 038 120,00

Beneficjenci (1)