*2.2. Methods*

### 2.2.1. ST-HEMA Emulsion Polymerization

A mixture of ST (1.3 mL), respectively, HEMA (0.3 mL) and KPS (25 mg) was added to distilled water (20 mL). The mixture was purged with nitrogen and then maintained for 8 h at 75 ◦C under continuous stirring. The final dispersion was dialyzed in distilled water for 7 days, using cellulose dialysis membranes (molecular weight cut-off: 12,000–14,000), to remove the unreacted monomers and initiator.

#### 2.2.2. Seeded Emulsion Polymerization of GMA (ST-HEMA-GMA)

To the dialyzed emulsion presented previously was added 0.3 mL GMA and KPS (25 mg). The mixture was purged with nitrogen and then maintained for 8 h at 75 ◦C under continuous stirring. The final dispersion was dialyzed in distilled water for 7 days, using cellulose dialysis membranes (molecular weight cut-off: 12,000–14,000), to remove the unreacted monomers and initiator.
