Thermoresponsive Properties of PNIPAM-Based Hydrogels: Effect of Molecular Architecture and Embedded Gold Nanoparticles

Thermoresponsive hydrogels were successfully prepared from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based polymers with different architectures (linear, branched, or hyperbranched). The macromolecular architectures strongly influence the internal structure of the hydrogels, therefore modulating their thermoresponsive and rheological properties. These hydrogels were used for the in situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Significant changes in hydrogel microstructures and in average pore size due to the presence of gold nanoparticles were observed. Additionally, their presence significantly increases both the mechanical strength and the toughness of the hydrogel networks.