‘Smart’ gel turns solid to liquid with UV light: How does it work?

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a multi-responsive smart gel that can switch between solid-like and liquid-like states when exposed to ultraviolet light, heat or acid. Built using foldamer molecules and palladium ions, the material could eventually support advances in drug delivery, smart sensors and catalysis. Advanced NMR techniques also enabled detailed atomic-level analysis of its structure.

By TOI Education