InhibNet: Competitive Inhibition of Polymer Networks

1. Modulus Prediction

Predict the hydrogel stiffness (modulus) as a function of polymer concentration, crosslinking equilibrium constant, competitor equilibrium constant, and the concentrations of polymer and competitor in solution.

2. K_a prediction from modulus

Here, we present a method to predict the equilibrium constant (K_a) of either the crosslinking interaction within a polymer network or a competing species. By inputting the competitor concentration and experimental modulus data, users can specify which K_a value is known and which should be determined through fitting.

3. Tau Fitting

This module fits relaxation time (τ) values that change under competition using a Langmuir decay isotherm to capture how τ varies with competitor concentration.

4. 3D Surface Explorer

This tool generates an interactive 3D plot showing the relationship between competitor K_a, competitor concentration, and the resulting modulus. The crosslink K_a is held constant. Users can explore the range of modulus values achievable for a given competitor, or identify the competitor parameters required to reach a target modulus, highlighted by the red band.

5. Network Visualization

This tool generates a 2D map illustrating the predicted structure of a polymer network under varying associations of competitors and crosslinks. When no competitor is present, an alternative image set is used to represent the baseline state. The visualization demonstrates the mean-field approximation and enables quantification of the fraction of elastically active chains within the system.