SWITCHABLE POLYSACCHARIDES, METHODS AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present application provides a reversibly switchable composite material comprising a polysaccharide and a polysaccharide-supported switchable moiety that is switchable between a neutral, hydrophobic first form and an ionized, hydrophilic second form. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, its second form when the switchable moiety is exposed to an ionizing trigger, such as CO2, at amounts sufficient to maintain the ionized form. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, the first form when CO2 is removed or reduced to an amount insufficient to maintain the ionized form. Also provided are uses of these composite materials including, but is not limited to, manipulating and/or controlling dispersibility (e.g., CNC dispersibility); surface cleaning; separation applications (e.g., membranes); absorption/flocculation applications; and water treatment.