Biocompatible, Polyampholyte Microgel Particles

Abstract

Biocompatible, polyampholyte microgel particles have been prepared by the acid hydrolysis of t-butyl groups within (2-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-t-butyl methacrylate microgel particles to give (2-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid microgel particles. The hydrodynamic diameter and electrophoretic mobility of both the pre-hydrolyzed and post-hydrolyzed microgel particles have been investigated as a function of pH for three microgel dispersions differing in their monomer compositions. The swelling properties and isoelectric point pH are shown to depend on the monomer composition.