Interpenetrating polymeric hydrogels as favorable materials for hygienic applications

Abstract

Polymers can crosslink to produce intermingled materials with three-dimensional network structure known as interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN). They comprise elastic crosslinked polymeric chains. The chains of the hydrogels are either physically or chemically entangled together. Interpenetrating hydrogels can be tailored to provide enhanced materials. They can be classified according to methods of their synthesis as simultaneous or sequential IPNs and the structure to be homo or semi IPNs. The preparation factors play a role in controlling the properties of the produced IPNs. Moreover, the ambient conditions such as pH, temperature as well as the ionic strength may affect the performance of these hydrogels. The swelling capacity is an important feature that allows the prepared hydrogel to perform the required application. Some disadvantages may arise such as the low mechanical properties that are suggested to be overcome. IPNs can be used in various applications that serve the human requirements like drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical and packaging applications. Hydrogels present biocompatibility and nontoxicity when used in biomedical applications. Interpenetrating hydrogels can be prepared from natural or synthetic polymers. Polysaccharides as natural polymers can be used to produce efficient interpenetrating hydrogels. Polyacrylates, poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(vinyl alcohol) are designated as promising synthetic polymers capable of forming interpenetrating hydrogels.