Diane Joy Galos

Who says science can't be hot? University of the Philippines (UP) scientists just turned up the temperature with their breakthrough in thermo-activated polymers that could reshape the biomedical field.

Photo Courtesy of UP Alumni Website.

UP Diliman College of Science (CS) researchers have discovered a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to create thermoresponsive polymers.

These polymers are molecules that change significantly when exposed to different temperatures and have promising biomedical applications.

According to researchers Mark Ward and Theoni Georgiou in their 2011 study, thermoresponsive polymers can enhance drug delivery, gene transfer, and other medical uses.

For instance, poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) maintains drug integrity while passing through the stomach and disintegrates in the intestines to release the medication.

Experts face challenges in creating thermoresponsive polymers, particularly in optimizing chain lengths, which can affect their effectiveness.

Leading the research team at UP Diliman CS are Institute of Chemistry researchers Ludhovik Luiz Madrid and Dr. Susan Arco, and  Lynon Perez from the Natural Sciences Research Institute.

They utilized di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomers in a hexyl pyridinium ionic liquid, N-hexyl pyridinium hexafluorophosphate ([HPY][PF6]).

Using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking agent, the researchers synthesized both linear and hyperbranched structures.

“RAFT polymerization helps control the growth of polymer chains by mitigating the formation of chains that can no longer grow (a.k.a. ‘dead’ polymers),” Madrid said.

“This creates a narrower molecular weight distribution, which allows for more tailored polymer designs or properties,” he added.

Their findings pave the way for further research into polymers, as Madrid said, “The results open up the potential for using other hexylpyridinium ionic liquids to create dual-responsive polymers, which are valuable for biomedical applications such as drug delivery.”

From research labs to operating rooms and pharmacies, these polymers are set to heat up the world of medicine.