Wed. Mar. 29th

1
Intelligent Hydrogels in Micro- and Nanodevices
J. Zack Hilt Dept. of Chemical Materials
Engineering University of Kentucky Miami Alumni
Abstract In our laboratory, science and
engineering fundamentals are applied to the
rational design, synthesis and characterization,
and application of novel macromolecular
materials. We are particularly interested in
designing and fabricating intelligent polymer
networks to exhibit unique properties providing
for application as recognition and/or actuation
elements in innovative devices for microsensing,
microarray, and other micro- and nanoscale
applications, primarily of medical and biological
significance. For example, we have developed
magnetically responsive polymer networks based on
nanocomposites of magnetic particles and
temperature responsive hydrogels. These systems
are expected to have wide applicability in
various biomedical applications, such as active
components of devices. In addition, we are also
developing methods for the synthesis (soft
lithography, etc.) and characterization (FTIR
imaging, AFM, etc.) of these and other hydrogel
systems at the micro- and nanoscale. These
methods will allow for the integration and
optimization of these hydrogel systems with
silicon, glass, and polymer devices.

• Wed. Mar. 29th