Abstract
In this study, we highlight hydrogels prepared by electron-beam polymerization. In general, the electron-beam-polymerized hydrogels showed improved mechanical and optical transmittances compared to the conventional UV-cured hydrogels. They were more elastic and had a higher crosslinking density. Additionally, they were transparent over a broader wavelength range. The dependence of the mechanical and optical properties of the hydrogels on the number of single differential and total irradiation doses was analyzed in detail. The hydrogels were prepared for usage as a drug delivery material with methylene blue as a drug model. In the first set of experiments, methylene blue was loaded reversibly after the hydrogel synthesis. Electron-beam-polymerized hydrogels incorporated twice as much methylene blue compared to the UV-polymerized gels. Furthermore, the release of the model drug was found to depend on the crosslinking degree of the hydrogels. In addition, electron-beam polymerization enabled the irreversible binding of the drug molecules if they were mixed with monomers before polymerization.
Highlights
Hydrogels are polymeric networks synthesized from hydrophilic monomers [1,2]
Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) with an average molar mass of 700 g·mol−1, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and methylene blue were purchased from Sigma Aldrich
This effect may be explained by the lower defect density in hydrogels cured with higher doses of the electron beam
Summary
Hydrogels are polymeric networks synthesized from hydrophilic monomers [1,2]. In general, various monomers and polymerization methods can be applied for this purpose [3,4]. In this method, electrons are directly employed to initiate radical reactions. In electron-beam polymerization, the number of single differentials and total irradiation doses can be used to tailor the crosslinking degree. Electron beam technology was used for the synthesis of hydrogels. The use of electron-beam irradiation enables both reversible loading and irreversible immobilization within the hydrogel matrix. In this study methylene blue was irreversibly immobilized in a hydrogel using electron beam technology for the first time. The hydrogels can be synthesized for different applications, allowing or preventing the release of the photoactive drug Both application routes can be followed by electron-beam technology for hydrogel preparation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call