Microwave, Photo- & Thermally Responsive Au@Polymer Microcapsules for Nanomedicine

Bridgett M. Budhlall

In our group we use a novel synthesis of polymer microcapsules with core-shell morphology comprising of Au@Polymer that is microwave-, photo- and thermo-responsive prepared by a novel microarray technique using a double emulsion process.  We demonstrate a reversible swelling and deswelling behavior of the microcapsule actuated by electromagnetic radiation (visible light and microwave radiation) that can have potential applications to microfluidic switches, photosensors, micromachines, and various nanomedicine applications in controlled delivery and release.