TABLE IV.

Toolbox for Creating New Smart Polymers

Controlled free radical polymerizations (RAFT, ATRP….) initiated in solution, on surfaces or at specific sites on biomolecules

Random, block, graft and hyperbranched smart copolymers that responded to 2 or more different stimuli in vivo or in vitro

Degradable linkages in smart copolymer compositions to permit release of captured targets from surfaces, release of drugs, or to enhance elimination from the body.

New chemistries and conditions for conjugating smart polymers to solid surfaces or biomolecules (Streptavidin[SA]-biotin, Click conjugations, Michael additions, reductive aminations…)

Cloning proteins to prepare mutants with specific sites where (a) smart polymerizations may be initiated or (b) end-reactive smart polymers may be directly conjugated to a specific site on proteins such as antibodies, antigens, enzymes, drugs, linkers (SA)

Coating smart polymers onto microparticles (lps), nanoparticles (nps), patterned surfaces, porous supports, or electrospun meshes made of polymers, natural materials, metals, metal oxides…

New uses for “under-used” stimuli such as light, ultrasound, electric or magnetic fields…and their combinations with each other or with T- or pH-responsive smart polymers