Synthesis and characterization of thermally reversible macroporous poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels

Thermally reversible poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels having macroporous structures were prepared by a new method. These gels have large pore volumes, large average pore sizes and faster macromolecule permeation rates in comparison to conventional PNIPAAm conventional hydrogels. Compared with conventional PNIPAA hydrogels, the macroporous PNIPAAm gels have higher swelling ratios at temperatures below the LCST and exhibit faster deswelling and reswelling rates. The deswelling rates are especially rapid