Controlling Network–Brush Interactions to Achieve Switchable Adhesion

Abstract

Make up and break up: A pH-responsive system that displays switchable adhesion in situ is described. Polyacid gels and polybases grafted to a substrate (brushes) strongly adhere in water, but in an acidic environment, the gel and brush dissociate. Adhesion can be controlled by environmental acidity and the process can be repeated several times. Such adhesion may be used in actuators, microfluidics, drug delivery, or personal-care products.