Many polymer solutions exhibit a lower critical-solution temperature (LCST), above which the polymer is insoluble. The transition from a homogeneous mixture to phase separation is abrupt, within 1-2 deg C, and has fascinated researchers for decades. Interest lies not only in an attempt to understand the fundamental chemical mechanism but also to harness LCST behavior in various applications. Currently, many laboratories are exploring temperature-sensitive polymers for drug delivery and tissue scaffolds.
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