Chemistry at the polymer–particle interface for the design of innovative materials

The chemical modification of preformed polymer particles, in particular stimulus-responsive microgel particles, is paving the way for innovative technology. A summary is provided of the chemical reactions that are commonly used at the polymer particle interface to add functionality to polymer particles or enable their development into new materials. The advantages of being able to perform further chemistry on polymer particles will be discussed in terms of materials engineering, where microgel particles have been used as building blocks in the formation of hydrogels. Then the functionalities that have been added to individual polymer particles will be discussed in terms of application, particularly biomedical application.