A dual thermoresponsive and antifouling zwitterionic microgel with pH triggered fluorescent “on-off” core

A unique, tailor-made, zwitterionic, dual thermoresponsive and fluorescent microgel probe was synthesized via Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain-Transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Microgels were prepared via oil in water (o/w) emulsion polymerization where poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB) acted as a macro-RAFT reagent as well as an emulsifier. The presence of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) in the microgel system imparts the thermoresponsiveness to...