ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.


Uncovering interactions and gelation behaviour between thermoreversible polymers and polyphenols

Abstract: Soluplus, a thermoresponsive PVCL-PVAc-PEG graft copolymer, forms reversible gels near physiological temperatures, making it attractive for topical drug delivery. However, its weak gel strength limits bioadhesion and retention. This proposal aims to investigate the supramolecular interactions between Soluplus and polyphenolic compounds?tannic acid, rosmarinic acid, and fisetin?using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) on SANS2D. Polyphenols, known for their adhesive properties and interactions with PEG, are hypothesised to form secondary cross-linking domains within Soluplus gels, enhancing mechanical integrity and topical performance. Preliminary data show a tenfold increase in elasticity and improved tissue retention when polyphenols are added to Soluplus. SANS will be used to probe micellar structure and network organisation in both dilute (1, 5 wt.%) and concentrated (10, 20 wt.%) regimes at 25, 37, and 45?°C under two contrast conditions (100% D?O and 70.5% D?O). A total of 72 measurements are proposed to capture temperature- and concentration-dependent structural transitions. This study will provide the first structural insights into Soluplus?polyphenol interactions and guide the rational design of bioadhesive thermogels.

Principal Investigator: Dr Michael Cook
Experimenter: Miss Marissa Taub
Local Contact: Dr Najet Mahmoudi

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2500051

ISIS Experiment Number: RB2500051

Part DOI Instrument Public release date Download Link
10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2500051-1 SANS2D 07 July 2028 Download

Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Data format: RAW/Nexus
Select the data format above to find out more about it.

Data Citation

The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher], [doi]

For Example:
Dr Michael Cook et al; (2025): Uncovering interactions and gelation behaviour between thermoreversible polymers and polyphenols, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2500051

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.



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