pH-sensitive hydrogel based on a novel photocross-linkable copolymer.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Development of advanced hydrogels for drug delivery systems (DDS) is crucial for targeted and controlled release of therapeutics.
• Polyaspartamide (PHEA) derivatives offer tunable properties for biomaterial applications.
• pH-sensitive materials are desirable for drug release that responds to physiological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel pH-sensitive hydrogel based on poly(hydroxyethylaspartamide methacrylated) (PHM) and succinic anhydride (SA).
• To investigate the swelling behavior of the synthesized PHM-SA hydrogel in simulated biological fluids.
• To evaluate the potential of the PHM-SA hydrogel as a pH-sensitive drug delivery system (DDS) using ibuprofen as a model drug.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PHM-SA copolymer through derivatization of polyaspartamide (PHEA).
• Cross-linking of PHM-SA via UV irradiation to form the hydrogel network.
• Characterization using FT-IR spectrophotometry and particle size analysis.
• Swelling measurements in aqueous media simulating biological fluids.
• In vitro drug release studies with ibuprofen.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of the pH-sensitive PHM-SA hydrogel.
• Demonstrated pH-dependent swelling behavior of the hydrogel.
• Ibuprofen release from the hydrogel was significantly influenced by the environmental pH.
• The release rate correlated with the swelling degree of the hydrogel at different pH values.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized PHM-SA hydrogel exhibits significant pH sensitivity and tunable swelling properties.
• The hydrogel is a promising candidate for developing pH-responsive drug delivery systems.
• Controlled release of ibuprofen was achieved, highlighting the potential for targeted therapeutic applications.