Abstract

Microgels obtained by miniemulsion polymerization are highly cross-linked but soluble polymer particles with sizes between 10 and 600 nm. This property renders them useful not only as platforms for molecular recognition and sensing of biomolecules, but also as colloids that participate in catalysis. Recent approaches employing catalytically active templated and non-templated microgels are highlighted.

Keywords: Catalysis, microgels, emulsion polymerization, templated polymers