Thermoresponsive behaviour of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) in aqueous two-phase systems

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) have been in the focus of polymer chemistry in recent years, mainly due to their biocompatibility and various applications in biomaterials and biology. In the present contribution, the ATPS formed from poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) (PDEA) and commercially available dextran as well as poly(ethylene glycol) are investigated. Furthermore, the effect of an ATPS on the thermoresponsive behaviour of PDEA is studied. A significant shift in cloud point temperature of PDEA in the ATPS compared to pure aqueous PDEA solutions is observed. This effect on thermoresponsive behavior will lead to new pathways for water-based polymer systems for example in multicompartment hydrogels or biotechnology.