Allylated chitosan-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel based on a functionalized double network for controlled drug release

Abstract

Smart hydrogels with dual network were presented since a new allylated chitosan was conceived. As a double network hydrogel, its first network consisted of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) worked as the gel matrix, and its second network with Schiff base bond enabled itself function as a molecular switch through the formation and break of the bond. When only the intestinal fluid was used, the second network could provide efficient protection for the loaded drug, and the drug release mechanism conformed to the non-Fickian type diffusion. While pre-treated with simulated gastric fluid, the switch would be opened and the mechanism was the Fickian type, which increased the cumulative percentage of drug release by about 25% and the release time by about 300 min. Besides, the hydrogel was characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IR and SEM. The effects of allylated chitosan, pH and crosslinker on the swelling ratio and morphology of hydrogel were also studied.