Engineering of Phenylboronic Acid Based Glucose-Sensitive Microgels with 4-Vinylpyridine for Working at Physiological pH and Temperature

Glucose-sensitive p(NIPAM-4-VP-PBA) microgels with different 4-VP content are synthesized by the functionalization of p(NIPAM-4-VP-AA) microgels with 3-aminophenylboronic acid. The glucose-, pH-, and thermosensitive behavior of the microgels are investigated using DLS. The feeding content of the hydrophilic 4-VP group increases the hydrodynamic radius and volume phase transition temperature of the resultant microgel. The effect of 4-VP content on hydrodynamic radius and volume phase transition is systematically studied at different pH values. The effect of 4-VP content on the glucose sensitivity is studied at physiological pH and temperature. The Lewis base moiety 4-VP adjusts the working pH of the PBA-based glucose-responsive microgel to physiological values.