Deswelling Behavior Research Articles

Poly(acrylic acid)-Sodium Alginate Superabsorbent Hydrogels Synthesized by Electron-Beam Irradiation-Part II: Swelling Kinetics and Absorption Behavior in Various Swelling Media.

Hybrid hydrogels with superabsorbent properties based on acrylic acid (20%), sodium alginate (0.5%) and poly(ethylene oxide) (0.1%) were obtained by electron-beam irradiation between 5 and 20 kGy, and are characterized by different physical and chemical methods; the first results reported showed gel fractions over 87%, cross-link densities under 9.9 × 103 mol/cm3 and swelling degrees of 400 g/g. Two types of hydrogels (without and with 0.1% initiator potassium persulfate) have been subjected to swelling and deswelling experiments in different swelling media with different pHs, chosen in accordance with the purpose for which these superabsorbent materials were obtained, i.e., water and nutrients carriers for agricultural purposes: 6.05 (distilled water), 7.66 (tap water), 5.40 (synthetic nutrient solution) and 7.45 (organic nutrient solution). Swelling kinetics and swelling dynamics have been also studied in order to investigate the influence of swelling media type and pH on the absorption phenomenon. The swelling and deswelling behaviors were influenced by the hydrogel characteristics and pH of the swelling media. Both the polymeric chain relaxation (non-Fickian diffusion) and macromolecular relaxation (super case II) phenomenon were highlighted as a function of swelling media type.

Stimuli-Responsive Phosphate Hydrogel: A Study on Swelling Behavior, Mechanical Properties, and Application in Expansion Microscopy.

Phosphorus-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels have potential in a wide range of applications due to their ionizable phosphorus groups, biocompatibility, and tunable swelling capacity utilizing hydrogel design parameters and external stimuli. In this study, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphate) (PMOEP) hydrogels were synthesized via aqueous activators regenerated by electron transfer atomic transfer radical polymerization using ascorbic acid as the reducing agent. Swelling and deswelling behaviors of PMOEP hydrogels were examined in different salt solutions, pH conditions, and temperatures. The degree of swelling in salt solutions followed CaCl2 < MgCl2 < KCl < NaCl with a decrease in swelling rate at higher concentrations until reaching a saturation point. In water, the degree of swelling increased significantly around neutral pH and remained constant at basic pH values. The effects of polymerization conditions, including pH, temperature (30, 40, 50 °C), and MOEP concentration (40, 50, 60% v/v MOEP/H2O), on the hydrogel swelling behavior in various salt solutions were also investigated. PMOEP hydrogels showed a decrease in the degree of swelling as the pH was increased above the native pH of the monomer solution. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were utilized to examine the microstructure and chemical composition of the dried hydrogel after salt solution swelling. Cytotoxicity testing using rat bone marrow stem cells confirmed the biocompatibility of the PMOEP hydrogels. A unique feature of this effort was evaluation of these phosphate hydrogels for use in expansion microscopy where a significant twofold enhancement in cellular expansion capacity was showcased utilizing 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the stimuli-responsive behavior and expansion characteristics of phosphate hydrogels, highlighting their potential in diverse biomedical applications.

Deswelling Mechanisms of PNIPAM Grafted in Nanochannels: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study.

Porous thermosensitive hydrogels exhibit a more flexible strategy for freshwater capture compared to conventional hydrogels. This study employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the deswelling behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) grafted within the nanochannel, aiming to elucidate the deswelling elimination process at various temperatures. Notably, a distinct phase separation is observed at specific temperatures above the lower solution temperature (LCST). Furthermore, this study takes the effect of heat flux into account, wherein distinct heat fluxes lead to varying levels of phase separation between water and the polymer. Specifically, the number of hydrogen bonds, volume of polymer chains, and density distribution of water molecules are statistically analyzed to reveal the mechanism of phase separation in a thermosensitive hydrogel. These findings provide insight into the accelerated deswelling kinetics of the PNIPAM polymer chain, which has guiding significance for the field of water harvesting by the enhancement of the water release capacity in thermosensitive hydrogels.

Temperature-responsive hydrogel prepared from carboxymethyl cellulose-stabilized N-vinylcaprolactam with potential for fertilizer delivery

The growth of plants is highly dependent on sufficient water and suitable fertilizer nutrients, but the soil often loses moisture and the fertilizers are low efficiency. To address this issue, the temperature-responsive hydrogels were developed using the N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) dispersed in water through the emulsification of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and acrylamide (AM), and urea was loaded into the hydrogel as a fertilizer. The amount of CMC and monomer have an effect on the structure, mechanical properties, swelling ability, and temperature sensitivity of the hydrogel. Therefore, the maximum swelling ratio of the hydrogel can reach 2056 % with the increasing hydrophilic groups, and the hydrogel exhibits a deswelling behavior as the temperature rises to higher than LCST due to the temperature responsiveness. Moreover, the fertilizer can rapidly release when the temperature is higher than LSCT, and exhibits similar release behavior in water and soil. Thus, the temperature-responsive hydrogel shows a great potential application for the controlled release of water and fertilizer in agriculture and forestry.

PH-Responsive, Hemocompatible, and Non-Toxic Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel from Seeds of Salvia spinosa L. for Sustained Release of Febuxostat

Herein, a polysaccharide-based hydrogel from seeds of Salvia spinosa (SSH) was evaluated as a pH-responsive, superporous, hemocompatible, non-toxic, and sustained release material. The SSH-based tablets showed pH-dependent swelling (pH 7.4 &gt; 6.8 &gt; 4.5 &gt; 1.2) as well as swelling and de-swelling behavior at pH 7.4 and 1.2, respectively. Sustained release of febuxostat was achieved by mimicking the gastrointestinal tract conditions for 14 h and following the zero-order kinetics and super case-II transport mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous nature of SSH even after compression. SSH was found to be hemocompatible with antioxidant properties. Acute toxicity studies ensured the safety of SSH at a maximum dose level of 2.0 g kg-1 body weight of the animals. SSH was also found as non-irritant to the eye. The histopathology of vital organs did not show any lesions or inflammation. Conclusively, SSH can be considered a safe ingredient for oral, dermal, and ophthalmic formulations.

Application of Polyacrylic Hydrogel in Durability and Reduction of Environmental Impacts of Concrete through ANN.

While adding superabsorbent polymer hydrogel particles to fresh concrete admixtures, they act as internal curing agents that absorb and then release large amounts of water and reduce self-desiccation and volumetric shrinkage of cement that finally result in hardened concrete with increased durability and strength. The entrainment of microscopic air bubbles in the concrete paste can substantially improve the resistance of concrete. When the volume and distribution of entrained air are adequately managed, the microstructure is protected from the pressure produced by freezing water. This study addresses the design and application of hydrogel nanoparticles as internal curing agents in concrete, as well as new findings on crucial hydrogel–ion interactions. When mixed into concrete, hydrogel particles produce their stored water to power the curing reaction, resulting in less volumetric shrinkage and cracking and thereby prolonging the service life of concrete. The mechanical and swelling performance qualities of the hydrogel are very sensitive to multivalent cations found naturally in concrete mixes, such as aluminum and calcium. The interactions between hydrogel nanoparticles and alkaline cementitious mixes are described in this study, while emphasizing how the chemical structure and shape of the hydrogel particles regulate swelling behavior and internal curing efficiency to eliminate voids in the admixture. Moreover, in this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was utilized to precisely and quickly analyze the test results of the compressive strength and durability of concrete. The addition of multivalent cations reduced swelling capacity and changed swelling kinetics, resulting in fast deswelling behavior and the creation of a mechanically stiff shell in certain hydrogel compositions. Notably, when hydrogel particles were added to a mixture, they reduced shrinkage while encouraged the creation of particular inorganic phases within the void area formerly held by the swelled particle.

Formulation and Evaluation of Superporus Hydrogel Composite as a Gastro Retentive Drug Delivery for Cefditoren Pivoxil

The purpose of this work was to incorporate superporus hydrogels for cefditoren pivoxil by using polymer like poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer and composite agent like cross linked sodium carboxy methyl cellulose in the presence of N,N-methylene-bis-Acrylamide as crosslinking agent. Pluronic F-127 as a stabilizer and ammonium per sulfate and tetramethylene diamine as a initiator pair. Poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer-cross linked sodium carboxy methyl cellulose superporus hydrogels of cefditoren pivoxil were incorporate by gas blowing technique. The reaction of pH on the swelling ratio was decisive. Swelling reversibility research was also achieve. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and scanning electron microscopy studies were assume to indicate the drug loaded superporous hydrogels, while dissolution studies were achieve to assess release characteristics. Swelling was hugely depending on the term of crosslinking and the quantity of the polymer existing in formulation. The huge amount of cross-linking agent reduced the swelling ratio. The superporous hydrogels were hugely perceptive to pH of swelling medium, and exhibit reversible swelling and de-swelling behavior during still keep their mechanical stability. Apparent density was reliant on the amount of the superporous hydrogels and reduced with developing crosslink density. Degradation kinetics reveals that poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer superporous hydrogels had good water holding potential. Drug release was similar to quantity of cross-linking agent. The studies report that poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer superporous hydrogels can be used as a Gastroretentive drug delivery system in view of their swelling characteristics in acidic pH.

Enhanced Macroporous Cationic Chitosan Hydrogel by Freezing and Thawing Method with Superadsorption Capacity for Anionic Dyes

In this study, we have developed a simple technique to prepare cationic chitosan hydrogel with interconnected porous structure using freeze–thaw process and the obtained hydrogel was named FCS hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging discovered that the synthesized hydrogel demonstrated interconnected porous structure in the scope of 5–20 μm. We also showed that the FCS hydrogel exhibits pH responsiveness behavior, and demonstrated reversible swelling and de-swelling behaviors maintaining their mechanical stability. We demonstrate that the FCS hydrogel swelling capacity decreased at alkaline pH and rose with a decline in pH value. Besides, the FCS hydrogel presented specific surface area of 78.25 ± 8.75 m2 g−1, due to the cryogenic treatment of glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan hydrogel could increase the surface area and permeability of composite hydrogel and then strongly increasing the adsorption capacity. Subsequently, the FCS monolithic hydrogel tested dyes removal, which provides a high removal efficiency towards anionic dyes including congo red (CR) and sodium fluorescein (SFL) dyes. Significantly, we show that the FCS hydrogel could be regenerated and reused as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment without significant loss of pollutants removal efficiency over a number of adsorption and washing cycles. This study offers a promising environmental friendly and sustainable interconnected porous hydrogel for anionic dye removal from wastewater.

Metal Complexation of Arabinoxylan Engenders a Smart Material Offering pH, Solvents, and Salt Responsive On-Off Swelling with the Potential for Sustained Drug Delivery.

The present study aimed to develop a stable interconnected matrix as a sustained release drug delivery material. Arabinoxylan (AX) was extracted from ispaghula husk and then crosslinked with different concentrations, i.e., 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g of CaCl2 per 0.25 g of AX. The crosslinking was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The swelling capacity of crosslinked AX (CL-AX) was evaluated against buffer solutions of pH 1.2, 6.8, 7.4, and water. The swelling capacity increased from pH 1.2 to pH 7.4 and followed the second order swelling kinetics. The swelling study also revealed that CL-AX with 1.0 g CaCl2 showed maximum swelling capacity. The swelling–deswelling (on–off switching) behavior of CL-AX was evaluated in water–ethanol, water–0.9% NaCl solution, and buffer solutions of pH 7.4–1.2 and showed responsive swelling–deswelling behavior. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a highly porous nature of CL-AX with a mesh of thin fibrous networking. Hemocompatibility studies of CL-AX revealed its non-thrombogenic and nonhemolytic attributes. The CL-AX matrix tablet prolonged the release of enalapril maleate for 24 h, and the drug release followed the zero order kinetics and super case-II transport mechanism. Therefore, CL-AX can be recognized as a stimuli responsive and hemocompatible biomaterial with sustained drug release potential.

Synthesis of magnetic responsive poly(NIPAAm-co-VSA)/Fe3O4 IPN ferrogels and modeling their deswelling and heating behaviors under AMF by using artificial neural networks

Synthesis of stimuli-responsive hydrogels and modeling their behaviors under stimulus are very important for the use of smart materials in biomedical applications. In the present study, magnetic field responsive and novel poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide-co-Vinylsulfonic acid)/Fe3O4 interpenetrating polymer network (poly(NIPAAm-co-VSA)/Fe3O4 IPN) hydrogel composite (ferrogel) series were successfully synthesized. Firstly, temperature- responsive poly(NIPAAm-co-VSA) IPN hydrogels containing various amount of vinylsulfonic acid (VSA) were synthesized by two polymerization method: emulsion and solution polymerization. Then, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were loaded to hydrogel systems through in situ reduction of Fe2+/Fe3+ ions. Their chemical structures, magnetic properties and surface morphologies were characterized by FT-IR, VSM and SEM analysis techniques. The effects of the VSA content in ferrogel composition on deswelling and heating behavior of ferrogels under various of alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) were experimentally investigated. In order to characterize their heating and deswelling behaviors by magnetic induction heating, heating and deswelling kinetics under 1.37, 1.64 and 1.91 mT magnetic fields were investigated. Their fully swollen states showed complex deswelling and heating behaviors. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) in MATLAB were used to model these behaviors. The ANN models which associated input variables, were able to accurately predict complex deswelling and heating behaviors of magnetic field-responsive poly(NIPAAm-co-VSA)/Fe3O4 IPN hydrogel composites.

A pH-responsive, biocompatible, and non-toxic citric acid cross-linked polysaccharide-based hydrogel from Salvia spinosa L. offering zero-order drug release

Salvia spinosa seeds hydrogel (SSH) was chemically cross-linked with four different concentrations of citric acid (CA), i.e., 1.25%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%. The fabrication of CA cross-linked SSH (CA-cl-SSH) was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analyses. The CA-cl-SSH appeared thermally as stable as SSH. The CA-cl-SSH was found pH-sensitive and exhibited maximum swelling in deionized water (DW) as compared to the buffers of pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4 following the order pH 1.2 < pH 6.8 < pH 7.4 < DW. Stimuli-responsive swelling and deswelling (on-off switching) behavior of CA-cl-SSH (2.5% CA) was found reversible at pH 7.4 and 1.2, in DW and normal saline, and DW and ethanol. CA-cl-SSH sustained the release of aceclofenac following the zero-order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The in vivo radiographic images revealed the presence of CA-cl–SSH–based tablet formulation in GIT for 9 h. Hemocompatibility studies confirmed the non-thrombogenic and non-hemolytic potential of CA-cl-SSH. Acute oral toxicity study presented its safety profile owing to the absence of any mortality and toxic effects. Therefore, it can be concluded that CA-cl-SSH is a novel stimuli-responsive, biocompatible, and non-toxic polysaccharide-based biomaterial having the potential for the development of sustained-release drug delivery system following zero-order kinetics.

Internal structure of ultralow-crosslinked microgels: From uniform deswelling to phase separation.

We perform small angle neutron scattering on ultralow-crosslinked microgels and find that while in certain conditions both the particle size and the characteristic internal length scale change in unison, in other instances this is not the case. We show that nonuniform deswelling depends not only on particle size, but also on the particular way the various contributions to the free energy combine to result in a given size. Only when polymer-solvent demixing strongly competes with ionic or electrostatic effects do we observe nonuniform behavior, reflecting internal microphase separation. The results do not appreciably depend on particle number density; even in concentrated suspensions, we find that at relatively low temperature, where demixing is not very strong, the deswelling behavior is uniform, and that only at sufficiently high temperature, where demixing is very strong, does the microgel structure change akin to internal microphase separation.

Thermoresponsive cryogels from dendronized interpenetrating polymer network showing dual-shape memory

Hydrogels with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) show distinct advantages including enhanced mechanical properties and multiple functions. In this work, we prepared a series of dendronized IPN hydrogels by cryogelation technique using reversible Schiff-base crosslinked oligoethylene glycol (OEG)-based dendronized polymers to form one network, and covalent crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAAm) to form another network. These cryogels not only exhibit high mechanical strength with interconnected porous morphology, but also inherit characteristic thermoresponsive property from OEG-based dendronized polymers, and show thermally induced deswelling behavior upon heating to above their phase transition temperatures. Thermally induced reversible dehydration/rehydration of the OEG-based dendronized polymers and pH-mediated reversible formation of dynamic Schiff-base linkages afford the IPN cryogels amazingly dual-shape memory capability. Effects of polymer composition and fabrication method (one-pot/two-steps) on porous structures, responsive behavior, as well as mechanical properties of these dendronized IPN cryogels were investigated in details. We believe present work provides a convenient strategy to fabricate novel smart hydrogels with unique thermoresponsive and adaptive features, which could act as promising scaffolds for bio- or actuator applications.

JM methanol technology chosen for largest single train methanol plant in the world

Hydrogels with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) show distinct advantages including enhanced mechanical properties and multiple functions. In this work, we prepared a series of dendronized IPN hydrogels by cryogelation technique using reversible Schiff-base crosslinked oligoethylene glycol (OEG)-based dendronized polymers to form one network, and covalent crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAAm) to form another network. These cryogels not only exhibit high mechanical strength with interconnected porous morphology, but also inherit characteristic thermoresponsive property from OEG-based dendronized polymers, and show thermally induced deswelling behavior upon heating to above their phase transition temperatures. Thermally induced reversible dehydration/rehydration of the OEG-based dendronized polymers and pH-mediated reversible formation of dynamic Schiff-base linkages afford the IPN cryogels amazingly dual-shape memory capability. Effects of polymer composition and fabrication method (one-pot/two-steps) on porous structures, responsive behavior, as well as mechanical properties of these dendronized IPN cryogels were investigated in details. We believe present work provides a convenient strategy to fabricate novel smart hydrogels with unique thermoresponsive and adaptive features, which could act as promising scaffolds for bio- or actuator applications.

Improved reswelling behaviors and thermal stability of polyvinyl alcohol composite gels assisted by salt

Deswelling and reswelling behaviors of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) gel systems were studied in which natural polymers promoted reswelling capacity of PVOH gels, while salt (NaCl) solutions de-swelled the hydrogels but improved the reswelling performance. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that the salt treatment considerably improved the thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the salt treatment hindered crystallization of all the systems except the urea system. The improved reswelling capacity might be attributed to changes in the crystalline region caused by the salt.

Improving physical properties of silica aerogel using compatible additives

Many applications of silica aerogel require desired mechanical and structural properties. Glycerol and polyethylene glycol were used for the synthesis of silica aerogel to improve mechanical and structural properties. Methyltrimethoxysilane was used as a precursor in various concentrations to explore the effects on the properties of silica aerogel. Polyethylene glycol-based aerogel exhibited high tensile stress-withstanding capacity, at the same time high surface hydrophobicity with contact angle 148°. The swelling and de-swelling behavior of aerogel were also analyzed. This lightweight material has low bulk density, which is found to be affected by the presence of additives. The density of aerogel varied from 0.07 to 0.09 g/cm3 with increasing amount of additive. Polyethylene glycol is found to be very effective additive especially for the improvement of the mechanical properties of aerogel, as it has exhibited the breakdown at 21,924.6 N/m2 with elongation of 0.8 cm. The aerogel samples were analyzed for their surface hydrophobicity and thermogravimetry analysis. The elemental analysis of aerogel confirmed the purity of aerogel while thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetric analysis revealed its high thermal stability up to 519 °C.

Application of artificial intelligence in modeling of the doxorubicin release behavior of pH and temperature responsive poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc)-PEG IPN hydrogel

Modeling of the drug release behavior of stimuli-responsive hydrogels is a domain of steadily increasing academic and industrial importance. It is very difficult to accurately predict the drug release kinetic of this type drug carrier materials due to environmental variables in the body such as pH and temperature. In this study, a pH- and temperature-responsive poly(N–Isopropyl acrylamide-co-Acrylic acid)/Poly(ethylene glycol) (poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc)/PEG) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel was synthesized by free radical solution polymerization in the presence of poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) microgels and PEG. The synthesized IPN hydrogels showed rapid pH- and temperature-responsive deswelling behavior. The textural properties and surface morphology of poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) IPN hydrogel were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis technique. The doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded to the hydrogels by swelling the hydrogels in the DOX solution. The cumulative release of DOX has been investigated as a function of time, pH and temperature. Experimental DOX release data obtained were successfully modeled using ANNs, LS-SVM and SVR methodologies. To evaluate the performance of these models, four statistical parameters: correlation coefficient (R), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were calculated. It was found that the developed ANN model show best performance in modeling the DOX release behavior of poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc)/PEG IPN hydrogels.

Tunable swelling and deswelling of temperature- and light-responsive graphene oxide-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) composite hydrogels

Swelling and deswelling behaviors of graphene oxide-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) composite hydrogels can be tuned by the concentrations of a chemical crosslinker and graphene oxide, and the rate of the external temperature change.

Preparation of macroporous polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde based hydrogels and their dual thermo- and pH-responsive behavior

Dual thermo- and pH-responsive polymer hydrogels have broad potential applications due to their unique responsive behavior to environmental stimuliregulatedby more than one mechanism. Herein, the dual thermo- and pH-responsive polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde (PVF) based hydrogels were successfully prepared via redox grafting polymerization by incorporating respectively poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) moieties onto PVF backbone. These hydrogels retain an interconnected macroporous structure with high porosity (~83.0%), facilitating rapid penetration and diffusion of water molecules. The sizes of pore and pore walls are in micrometer scale, significantly reducing the characteristic time of swelling or deswelling. Besides, these hydrogels possess the thermo-responsiveness even in high grafting percentage of PAA (60.8%), overcoming the inhibition effect of PAA moieties in a high content on thermal sensitivity of traditional poly(NIPAM-co-AA) copolymers. Their pH-responsiveness and excellent repeated absorption performance are determined by measuring the absorption capacities of hydrogels in water and different buffer solutions. Moreover, these hydrogels exhibit rapid deswelling kinetics on the minute time scale by detecting water retention in pH 3 buffer solution at 50 °C. In addition, the deswelling behavior leads to the noticeable changes of macroscopic dimensions of hydrogels; we anticipate potential applications in dual thermal and pH sensors.

Prediction of the deswelling behaviors of pH- and temperature-responsive poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) IPN hydrogel by artificial intelligence techniques

One of the most important fields of interest in respect of stimuli-responsive hydrogels is modeling and simulation of their deswelling behavior. The problem mentioned above plays an important role regarding diffusion of fluid from hydrogel to media, what is very useful in biomedical applications, such as controlled drug delivery systems, biomaterials or biosensors. In this study, the pH- and temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) interpenetrating polymer network (poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) IPN) hydrogel was synthesized by free radical solution polymerization method. In order to improve the deswelling rate of the conventional poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) hydrogels, their IPN structure was synthesized by using poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) microgels. The chemical structure and surface morphology of poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) IPN hydrogels were characterized by FT-IR and SEM analysis techniques. The synthesized poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc) IPN hydrogel has high swelling capacity (112 g water/g dry polymer at 20 °C and pH 7) and exhibited fast and multivariable deswelling behaviors dependent on pH and temperature. The pH- and temperature-dependent mechanical property of IPN hydrogel was investigated. It was found that the compressive strength of the IPN hydrogels was changed inversely proportional to the swelling capacity. To develop the model for deswelling behaviors of IPN hydrogel, artificial neural network (ANN) model and least squares support vector machine model techniques were used. The predictions from the ANN model showed very good correlation with observed data. The results indicated that the ANN model could accurately predict complex deswelling behavior of pH- and temperature-responsive IPN hydrogels.