Basic studies of polymeric gels with specific applications to drug delivery applications

The objectives of this study are (i) to acquire detailed fundamental information on macromolecular movement and association behavior during the formation of clusters in the sol state in order to elucidate the gelation mechanisms; (ii) to determine fractal structures, scaling laws and microstructures; and (iii) to study molecular diffusion of a guest substance immobilized in a hydrogel. Several thermoreversible gelling systems are selected for this project, which include methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, agar, ?-carrageenan, gelatin, Pluronic triblock copolymers (PEO-PPO-PEO and PPO-PEO-PPO copolymers), etc. The effects of polymer concentration, blending composition, temperature, salts, surfactants, magnetic field, etc are examined