What is a zwitterionic polymer?

For example, a zwitterionic polymer designed by Zhao et al. exhibited upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior in neutral aqueous solutions, resulting in a cloudy solution and reduced transmittance owing to electrostatic attraction between the cationic and anionic charges (Fig. 1 (b)) .

How can zwitterionic polyacrylamide improve coagulation of industrial wastewater?

In the treatment of industrial wastewater, the microflocs produced by coagulation are fragile and reversibly formed, and the addition of organic flocculants, such as zwitterionic polyacrylamide, could improve the stability of the flocs to obtain larger, denser, and more stable flocs .

Can zwitterionic polymers be used as therapeutic agents?

In addition to micellar structures, conjugates of zwitterionic polymers with therapeutic agents have broad application prospects in the biomedical field. Compared with general polymers, zwitterionic polymers are more hydrophilic and can exert better protective effects and improve the solubility of drugs .

Are zwitterionic polymers pH-responsive?

The pH of the environment can easily affect the electrostatic interactions between zwitterionic polymers and other substances by shifting the positive and negative charges carried by the polymer chains. Therefore, zwitterionic polymers are generally pH-responsive. Zwitterionic polymers have different zeta potentials in media of different pH.

Are zwitterionic polymers hydrophilic?

The origins of the pH-responsiveness, anti-polyelectrolyte effect, and superior electrical conductivity of zwitterionic polymers were analyzed. Materials synthesized from zwitterionic polymers are hydrophilic, biocompatible, and environmentally responsive, enabling their wide use in the fields of biomedicine and industrial engineering.

Can zwitterionic polymers be used to remove contaminants?

In the field of industrial engineering, owing to the high charge density of zwitterionic polymers and their propensity for strong electrostatic interactions, it is possible to break the spatial disorder encountered with conventional polymers when zwitterionic polymers are used to remove contaminants.