Methods for selectively reacting ligands immobilized within a temperature-sensitive polymer gel

摘要

Methods for delivering substances into, removing substances from, or reacting substances with a selected environment utilizing polymer gels or coatings characterized by a critical solution temperature (CST) are disclosed. The CST as well as the pore structure, pore size, pore distribution, and absorbing capacity of the gel may be selectively controlled. The substances may be physically or chemically immobilized within the polymer gels. In addition, a method for altering the surface wettability of CST polymers is also disclosed.