ABSTRACT
Microgels are polymeric cross-linked colloidal particles that can swell and de-swell in a suitable solvent by changing external stimuli such as temperature, pH, and ionic strength of the medium. Owing to fast response as compared to macrogels, microgels have been attracting much attention of scientists during the past 20 years. This entry describes the fundamental aspects of smart polymer microgels. The responsive behavior of microgels with respect to temperature, pH, and glucose concentration change is elaborated with the help of recent research progress in this field. The concept of biomedical and nanotechnological applications of polymer microgels is provided here.
