3D Printing of Aqueous Two-Phase Systems with Linear and Bottlebrush Polyelectrolytes

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2024 Jun 17;63(25):e202404382. doi: 10.1002/anie.202404382. Epub 2024 May 14.

Abstract

We formed core-shell-like polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) from an anionic bottlebrush polymer with poly (acrylic acid) side chains with a cationic linear poly (allylamine hydrochloride). By varying the pH, the number of side chains of the polyanionic BB polymers (Nbb), the charge density of the polyelectrolytes, and the salt concentration, the phase separation behavior and salt resistance of the complexes could be tuned by the conformation of the BBs. By combining the linear/bottlebrush polyelectrolyte complexation with all-liquid 3D printing, flow-through tubular constructs were produced that showed selective transport across the PEC membrane comprising the walls of the tubules. These tubular constructs afford a new platform for flow-through delivery systems.

Keywords: 3D Liquid Printing; Bottlebrush Polyelectrolytes; Polyelectrolyte Complexation; Transport.