Percolation-induced gel-gel phase separation in a dilute polymer network

Nat Mater. 2023 Dec;22(12):1564-1570. doi: 10.1038/s41563-023-01712-z. Epub 2023 Oct 30.

Abstract

Cosmic large-scale structures, animal flocks and living tissues can be considered non-equilibrium organized systems created by dissipative processes. Replicating such properties in artificial systems is still difficult. Herein we report a dissipative network formation process in a dilute polymer-water mixture that leads to percolation-induced gel-gel phase separation. The dilute system, which forms a monophase structure at the percolation threshold, spontaneously separates into two co-continuous gel phases with a submillimetre scale (a dilute-percolated gel) during the deswelling process after the completion of the gelation reaction. The dilute-percolated gel, which contains 99% water, exhibits unexpected hydrophobicity and induces the development of adipose-like tissues in subcutaneous tissues. These findings support the development of dissipative structures with advanced functionalities for distinct applications, ranging from physical chemistry to tissue engineering.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gels / chemistry
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Polymers* / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Gels
  • Polymers
  • Water