Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), or PNIPAAm, is a temperature-sensitive synthetic polymer that changes its properties based on temperature. Below about 32°C, it dissolves in water and forms a gel-like solution, but above this temperature, it becomes insoluble and separates out, forming a gel. This reversible behavior makes it useful in biomedical applications like drug delivery and tissue engineering, where temperature-triggered changes can control the release of medication or interact with biological tissues. Essentially, PNIPAAm acts like a smart material that responds predictably to temperature shifts, enabling innovative solutions in healthcare and materials science.