page_title: PH-sensitive polymers
section_title: Types
hierarchical_section_title: PH-sensitive polymers / Types
caption_attribution_description: English: A summary of how polyacids and polybases respond to changes in pH
context_page_description: pH sensitive or pH responsive polymers are materials which will respond to the changes in the pH of the surrounding medium by varying their dimensions. Materials may swell, collapse, or change depending on the pH of their environment. This behavior is exhibited due to the presence of certain functional groups in the polymer chain. pH-sensitive materials can be either acidic or basic, responding to either basic or acidic pH values. These polymers can be designed with many different architectures for different applications. Key uses of pH sensitive polymers are controlled drug delivery systems, biomimetics, micromechanical systems, separation processes, and surface functionalization.
context_section_description: pH sensitive polymers can be broken into two categories: those with acidic groups (such as -COOH and -SO₃H) and those with basic groups (-NH₂). The mechanism of response is the same for both, only the stimulus varies. The general form of the polymer is a backbone with functional "pendant groups" that hang off of it. When these functional groups become ionized in certain pH levels, they acquire a charge (+/-). Repulsions between like charges cause the polymers to change shape.
caption: A summary of how polyacids and polybases behavior under different pH conditions.
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