Modules

Prerequisites

Contents

- Study and evaluation of primary literature on responsive hydrogels. - Synthesis of responsive polymers - Incorporation of responsive hydrogel dots into microfluidic systems - Handling of the microfluidic system - Binding and unbinding of enzymes - Carrying out reactions with the bound enzymes - Writing a written report or giving a 15-minute short lecture

Learning outcomes

Hydrogels are cross-linked polymers that swell in water. By incorporating reponsive units, this can become a double cross-linked hydrogel. There is a permanent crosslinker and a non-permanent, i.e. responsive crosslinker. In this case, the responsive crosslinker is based on a disulphide bridge and is thus a redox-responsive crosslinker. In this project, such a hydrogel will be incorporated into a microlfuidic channel (150 µm) where it will be able to bind and release enzymes. Once bound, these enzymes can catalyse reactions. Ideally, the activity of the enzymes can be controlled by the conformation of the polymer.

Assessment

Written report (15-20 pages)

Remarks

The course will be held entirely at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden e.V. and the laboratories there. Work on the module must be done every working day. Prerequisites for access to the institute (currently 3G rule) must be available.The exact location of the 4 practical weeks can be freely chosen in consultation with the module supervisor.