This thesis is part of NanoNextNL, a micro and nanotechnology innovation consortium of the Government of the Netherlands and 130 partners from academia and industry. More information on www.nanonextnl.nl.
IntroductionSince decades, nature has been an inspiration for the fields of polymer chemistry and materials science. To date, it remains a challenge to mimic natural systems to attain their desired properties.
1-2Traditional polymers can generally meet particular parameters one at a time. For example mechanical properties can be improved but often without enhancement of other materials parameters. The same also holds for other properties. In contrast, natural polymers developed during genesis often possess a set of properties which have been simultaneously optimized to achieve a given task. In the field of materials science, chemical properties are combined with structural and surface properties, mimicking, for instance, the gecko foot and the lotus leaf.Self-assembly at different length scales, one of the key elements that nature presents to us, provides simple building blocks for otherwise difficult to achieve structures, which are preferentially assembled through supramolecular chemistry.
5The dynamic, stimuli-responsive character of these interactions provide adaptive reversible connections in many molecular processes and materials. For example, molecular recognition processes can trigger biological responses, awakening the field of biosensors and actuators. 6 The Mimosa pudica, a plant which folds its leafs upon receiving a stimulus, is another fascinating example of the responsiveness of natural systems. Upon a touch or air movement, a release of chemicals is triggered which causes water removal and subsequent cell collapse, giving rise to the folding of its leafs.
7These are just a few examples of the materials and objects developed and evolved over time by nature. Biomimetics brings together scientists from different fields in an attempt to create e.g., molecular-scale devices, nanomedicine, actuators, selfChapter 1 3 assembling and self-healing materials and tools for molecular sensing and recognition.In the related fields of stimulus responsive hydrogels and ionic polymer-metal composite actuators, research is focused on achieving comparable responses with synthetic materials. In this thesis attention will be paid to hydrogels and "unconventional" polymers that incorporate inorganic elements in their main chain.
Concept of this thesisThe concept of the research described in this thesis is centered around the synthesis, characterization and function of novel organometallic polyanions, polycations, and their corresponding hydrogels and the exploration of the use of these redox-responsive water-soluble or water-swellable materials in metal nanoparticle fabrication and transfection. In addition, crown ether-functionalized aromatic polymers and organometallic polymers will be employed for ion separation and sensing.Chapter 2 summarizes the field of stimulus responsive polymers, focusing on redox res...