Print Email Facebook Twitter Responsive polyelectrolyte hydrogels and soft matter micromanipulation Title Responsive polyelectrolyte hydrogels and soft matter micromanipulation Author Glazer, P.J. Contributor Lemay, S.G. (promotor) Mendes, E. (promotor) Faculty Applied Sciences Department Chemical Engineering Date 2013-10-29 Abstract This dissertation describes experimental studies on the mechanisms underlying the dynamic response of polyelectrolyte hydrogels when submitted to an external electric potential. In addition, we explore the possibilities of miniaturization and manipulation of responsive gels and other soft matter systems by using microfabrication techniques. Furthermore, a novel biocompatible hydrogel electro-active in biological fluids is developed. The possibilities of using this electro-responsive hydrogel system in bio-medical applications are investigated by studying it under in vitro conditions. By means of microfabrication techniques, we are able to miniaturize the hydrogel as a large array of responsive cilia, considerably increasing its response speed. Such cilia are also made bi-responsive by inclusion of magnetic particles. Finally, by mastering the microfabrication techniques we develop novel methods for micelle-based nanowire formation and soft-matter objects manipulation. Subject hydrogelmicrofabricationsoft mattergelpolymersnanowiresmicelles To reference this document use: https://doi.org/10.4233/uuid:9acd4ea3-6774-4dba-b8b9-75d271f73cf0 Publisher Uitgeverij BOXPress, s-Hertogenbosch ISBN 9789088917059 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type doctoral thesis Rights (c) 2013 Glazer, P.J. Files PDF P_J_Glazer_dissertation.pdf 26.95 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:9acd4ea3-6774-4dba-b8b9-75d271f73cf0/datastream/OBJ/view