Uses
Since the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is around body temperature, it is widely used in the development of drug delivery systems based on the sol gel phase conversion at body temperature.
General Description
Post polymerization, N, N-Diethyl methacrylamide gels show temperature sensitivity because of their lower critical solution temperature (LCST). This acrylamide is commonly polymerized to form temperature sensitive hydrogels. The presence of a hydrophobic group (methyl and ethyl group in this case) is characteristic in temperature sensitive polymers. Water solubility in such polymers decreases with increase in temperature.
