Abstract
In this paper, a novel gelatin-based hydrogel was synthesized through crosslinking graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) onto gelatin, using ammonium persulfate (APS) as a free radical initiator in the presence of methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker. A proposed mechanism for hydrogel formation was suggested and the structure of the product was established using FTIR spectroscopy and gravimetric analysis of the products. Moreover, morphology of the samples was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG). The effect of reaction variables such as concentration of APS and MBA were systematically optimized to achieve a hydrogel with swelling capacity as high as possible. The gelatin-g-PMAA hydrogel exhibited a pH-responsiveness character so that a swelling-deswelling pulsatile behavior was recorded at pHs 2 and 8. This on-off switching behavior makes the hydrogel as a good candidate for controlled delivery of bioactive agents.
Highlights
Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels is the main goal of the several research groups in the world
To modify the hydrolyzed gelatin, the grafting of metacrylic acid (MAA) onto gelatin chains in the presence of a crosslinking agent was performed in a homogeneous system
A general reaction mechanism for crosslinking graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) onto gelatin backbones in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) and MBA is shown in Scheme 1
Summary
Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels is the main goal of the several research groups in the world These materials are defined as hydrophilic, three-dimensional networks with ability to absorb large values of water, saline solution, or physiological fluids [1]. PH-sensitive hydrogels have been extensively investigated for potential use in site-specific delivery of drugs to specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract and have been prepared for delivery of low molecular weight protein drugs. These hydrogels have important applications in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, and biotechnology [2,3]. To modify the hydrolyzed gelatin, the grafting of metacrylic acid (MAA) onto gelatin chains in the presence of a crosslinking agent was performed in a homogeneous system
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