Crosslinking Density Control
Crosslinking Density Control - Related Videos
11:15
Nanosponge Tunability in Size and Crosslinking Density
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Cited by 1 •
2017
This article describes a process for tuning the size and crosslinking density of covalently crosslinked nanoparticles from linear polyesters containing pendant functionality. By tailoring synthesis parameters (polymer molecular weight, pendant functionality incorporation, and crosslinker equivalents), a desired nanoparticle size and crosslinking density can be achieved for drug delivery applications.
03:47
Crosslinking Neuronal Surface Proteins in the Mouse Brain using a Chemical Crosslinking Assay
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2025
This video demonstrates the crosslinking of neuronal surface proteins using Bis-sulfosuccinimidyl suberate or BS3. Isolated and chilled mouse brain is sectioned coronally. The desired region is extracted from the sections, minced, and treated with BS3. BS3 crosslinks surface proteins like GABA receptors, leaving internal proteins unaltered. The reaction is quenched with glycine before processing the samples for further analysis.
09:06
Preparation of DNA-crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogels
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Cited by 5 •
2014
Our laboratory has developed DNA-crosslinked polyacrylamide hydrogels, a dynamic hydrogel system, to better understand the effects of modulating tissue stiffness on cell function. Here, we provide schematics, descriptions, and protocols to prepare these hydrogels.
08:42
Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation
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2023
Density gradient ultracentrifugation is a common technique used to isolate and purify biomolecules and cell structures. This technique exploits the fact that, in suspension, particles that are more dense than the solvent will sediment, while those that are less dense will float. A high-speed ultracentrifuge is used to accelerate this process in order to separate biomolecules within a density gradient, which can be established by layering liquids of decreasing density in a centrifuge tube. The...
03:03
Generating an Ultra-Low-Density Neuronal Culture Using a High-Density Neuronal Feeder Layer
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2025
This video demonstrates the method for culturing ultra-low-density neurons in the presence of a high-density neuronal feeder layer. It establishes a co-culture of varying-density neurons, ensuring close physical proximity. The growth factors secreted by high-density neurons help neuronal survival and growth, maintaining ultra-low-density neurons for a longer time period.
FAQs
Crosslinker concentration, reactant stoichiometry, reaction time, and temperature all provide control points during polymerization or curing. These variables affect how many network junctions form between polymer chains. Adjusting them changes the resulting balance among stiffness, strength, flexibility, swelling, solubility, and molecular mobility, allowing chemists to tailor a material rather than rely on a fixed network structure.
A greater number of connections between polymer chains generally produces a stiffer and stronger structure while reducing solubility. By contrast, a less densely connected network can remain more flexible, swell more readily, and retain greater molecular mobility. These linked effects matter because changing the network structure influences several material properties at once, not only mechanical strength.
Adding crosslinker is only one route for changing network density. Reactant stoichiometry, reaction time, and temperature also influence the number of junctions formed during polymerization or curing. Consequently, two materials with different processing conditions may develop different structures even when crosslinker concentration is similar. Effective control considers the combined influence of these chemical and thermal variables.
A practical workflow begins by selecting the desired balance of stiffness, strength, flexibility, swelling, solubility, or molecular mobility. Researchers then vary crosslinker concentration, reactant stoichiometry, reaction time, or temperature during polymerization or curing. Comparing the resulting materials reveals how network changes affect performance and helps identify conditions that produce the targeted mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties.
Controlled network formation supports the design of hydrogels, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and thermosets. Each material class can require a different balance of properties: flexibility and swelling may be important in one system, whereas stiffness, strength, reduced solubility, or chemical resistance may be more important in another. Adjusting density helps align the polymer network with its intended research or industrial application.
Researchers can examine mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties after modifying the network structure. Mechanical evaluation may reveal changes in stiffness, strength, or flexibility, while swelling and solubility indicate how the network responds to its surroundings. These outcomes connect molecular-level control of polymer-chain junctions with the performance requirements of materials used in chemistry research and industry.