Novel Macroscopic Self-Organization in Polymer Gels

Fully reversible macroscopic self-organization is observed in polymeric gels based on acryloyl derivatives of amino acids. Only certain gels, which have a critical balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups in their chemical structure, demonstrate the self-organization from solid cylinder to hollow sphere (see Figure). These gels can be used in novel applications such as the controlled release of drugs and chemicals.