Hydraulic Pressure-Programmed Molecular Transport in Tough Hydrogels

Background: Hydrogel transport is diffusion-dominated. Mesh is 1-5 nm, permeability low, so pressure convection is ignored. High pressure makes gels bulge or fracture.

Methods: Tough PAAm gels (50 wt% acrylamide) were grid-supported in an H-cell. Pressure (-18 to 24 kPa) used height or compressed air. UV-Vis tracked probes. A coupled diffusion-convection model fit data.

Results: Pressure tuned transport: time changed up to 65-fold. Positive sped, negative slowed. Pressure boosted size/charge selectivity up to 5.4-fold. Doxorubicin crossed the membrane, E. coli was blocked. Alternating pressure controlled release and killing.
Note: Science share, not advice.

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DOI: 10.1002/advs.77159