Novel turbidimetric method to study polymer swelling

► A new method to study polymer swelling is proposed that does not suffer from the drawbacks of dynamic light scattering. ► This approach is not subject to the mechanical problems of delamination and/or cracking associated with polymers immobilized on surfaces. ► pH sensitive polymer particles that swell reversibly at physiological temperatures have been developed. ► Because membrane turbidity can be measured at any wavelength, inexpensive instrumentation can be used to study polymer swelling.