Anion-Responsive Metallopolymer Hydrogels for Healthcare Applications

Sci Rep. 2015 Jul 23:5:11914. doi: 10.1038/srep11914.

Abstract

Metallopolymers combine a processable, versatile organic polymeric skeleton with functional metals, providing multiple functions and methodologies in materials science. Taking advantage of cationic cobaltocenium as the key building block, organogels could be simply switched to hydrogels via a highly efficient ion exchange. With the unique ionic complexion ability, cobaltocenium moieties provide a robust soft substrate for recycling antibiotics from water. The essential polyelectrolyte nature offers the metallopolymer hydrogels to kill multidrug resistant bacteria. The multifunctional characteristics of these hydrogels highlight the potential for metallopolymers in the field of healthcare and environmental treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption, Physicochemical
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / isolation & purification*
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena / drug effects*
  • Cobalt / administration & dosage*
  • Cobalt / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / administration & dosage*
  • Hydrogels / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / isolation & purification*
  • Water Purification / methods*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Hydrogels
  • Polymers
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Cobalt