Abstract
Interpenetrated polymer networks of chitosan (CHI), polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were prepared by free radical polymerization. These hydrogels were either washed with double distilled water (CHI/PAA/PAM) A or hydrolyzed with 1M sodium hydroxide (NaOH), (CHI/PAA/PAM) S. Both types of hydrogels were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, microstructural techniques and compressive mechanical testing. Finally, hydrogels were loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and release followed at different pHs. Infrared spectra analysis showed correspondence between hydrogels and monomer feed compositions. Hydrolyzed hydrogels, had increased water content and pH swelling dependence. Compression modulus of swelled hydrolyzed hydrogels decreased with increasing equilibrium water content. Higher BSA loadings were achieved on hydrolyzed hydrogels due to their high water content and porosity. Protein release from hydrogels was low (≤ 20% after 10 hours) at pH 1.2, but sustained release was observed at pH 6.8 and 7.4. The integrity of the protein released at 6.8 and 7.4 by hydrolyzed hydrogels was unaffected. The hydrogles showed no cytotoxic effects on human skin dermal fibroblasts as determined by MTT assay except for two compositions of (CHI/PAA/PAM) A samples, which after seven days presented a viability lower than 80% respect to the control.
Highlights
Hydrogels are three dimensional hydrophilic polymer networks that swell, but do not dissolve, when brought into contact with water [1]
Hydrogels were loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and release followed at different pHs
The free radical polymerization of AA and AM in the presence of chitosan results in a hydrogel in which chitosan chains become grafted with the copolymer [19,24]
Summary
Hydrogels are three dimensional hydrophilic polymer networks that swell, but do not dissolve, when brought into contact with water [1]. Hydrogels have been actively studied, those experiencing reversible volume changes in response to external stimulus, such as pH, temperature and ionic concentration These “smart” hydrogels have found applications in biomedicine and biotechnology [2] including soft contact lenses [3], immobilization of enzymes and proteins [4], antibodies and antigens [5] and matrices for drug delivery systems [6,7]. The ability of these hydrogels to respond to their environment increase drug loading and provide protection from environmental conditions such as those found in the gastrointestinal tract [8]. Another important advantage of these hydrogels is that the active ingredient remains on the organ or tissue for longer times than conventional ones [9]
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