Wavelength-selective Two-photon Phototriggers: novel monomers to the control of polymerisation and depolymerisation reactions with temporal and 3D spatial resolution (SelectTPE)

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Aránzazu del Campo Bécares
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 157615852

Caged monomers with selective response to light of different wavelengths will be synthesized and used to obtain polymer systems with chromic-tunable properties. In order to achieve 3D resolution of the uncaging process, we will use chromophores with photosensitivity under two-photon excitation. Reactive monomers and crosslinkers with different molecular architectures and functional states will be synthesized and mixed with appropriate polymer precursors. Irradiation will trigger polymerisation and depolymerisation processes independently depending on the selected exposure wavelength. The final polymerisation/depolymerisation degrees will be controlled by the exposure dose. The application of this principle to the generation of new materials with phototunable properties will be tested in two different cases: novel resist materials for 3D photopatterning and smart hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and swelling degree.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Alexandre Specht