CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROGELS USING LUMINESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

In this contribution the literature relevant to characterization of po lyelectrolytes, polyelectrolyte complexes and hydrogels using luminesc ence spectroscopy is reviewed. A brief introduction to the fundamental s of luminescence is followed by a description of the various types of spectroscopic studies which may be used to characterize hydrogels. In addition to experiments based upon the addition of a viscosity, tempe rature- or polarity-sensitive fluorescent probe to characterize the lo cal environment, experiments and techniques based upon luminescence qu enching, fluorescence polarization, phosphorescence depolarization and excimer fluorescence are discussed. This review succinctly describes the utility of luminescence spectroscopy in the characterization of hy drogel systems, with a focus on recent developments in the characteriz ation of hydrogels and polyelectrolyte complexes.