New Classes of Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Materials for Separation Applications

Stimuli-responsive polymeric (SRPs) materials can respond to changes in their external environment. Interest in SRP-based materials in the separation field has dramatically increased in recent years due to their perceived economic and environmental benefits. This thesis focuses on the investigation of SRP materials used as novel separation media to separate valuable substances such as proteins from the mixture. This research provides key insights into the underlying mechanisms of interactions between biomolecules and the stimuli-responsive surface as well as a full à priori knowledge of the design and manufacture of SRPs with optimal performance at process scale.