In vitro– in vivo evaluation of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) hydrogel implants containing cisplatin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare hydrogel disc implants containing cisplatin from hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). To control drug release, the monomers were cross-linked with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Implants were characterized by FTIR, DSC and SEM and evaluated for drug content, swelling, tensile strength, in vitro and in vivo drug release, in vitro and in vivo biodegradation of the polymer and histopathological studies. The in vitro results showed that increasing the concentration of either MMA or EGDMA decreased drug release and prolonged the implant life. Histopathological studies showed that the implants were histocompatible with surrounding tissue. Stability studies on the optimized formulation showed it was stable over 90 days at 25±3 °C. The implants can be used to achieve controlled release of drug and attain effective treatment with reduced side effects.