| abstract |
A three-dimensionally ordered macroporous hydrogel for immobilizing a selected bioresponsive molecule and method of making are disclosed. The three-dimensionally ordered macroporous hydrogel comprises a crosslinked polymer that has a system of interconnected pores. The interconnected pores have a uniform pore size in the range of 50 to 5000 nm, and a plurality of first pore functional groups. The plurality of first pore functional groups is selected to immobilize a selected bioresponsive molecule. Examples of bioresponsive molecules include an enzyme; a molecule for: a protein scaffold, solid phase synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, polypeptide synthesis, analyte detection, adsorption of analytes and measuring analyte concentrations, organic synthesis, and degradation of biologically active agents in wastewater. A method includes forming a colloidal crystal template, polymerizing a hydrogel within the pores of the colloidal crystal template, and selectively removing the colloidal crystal template. The hydrogel can be polymerized using CRP, ATRP and FRP polymerization processes. |