Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable pH-sensitive hydrogels based on poly(ɛ-caprolactone), methacrylic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol)

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability Vol. 94; no. 4; pp. 730 - 737
• Main Authors: Wang, Ke, Fu, Shao Zhi, Gu, Ying Chun, Xu, Xu, Dong, Peng Wei, Guo, Gang, Zhao, Xia, Wei, Yu Quan, Qian, Zhi Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biodegradable; Degradation; Dynamic swelling/deswelling; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; pH sensitive; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization; Solution and gel properties; Water absorption; Degradation; pH sensitive; Water absorption; Biodegradable; Dynamic swelling/deswelling; Biological properties; Lactone copolymer; Graft copolymer; Swelling; Property composition relationship; Biodegradability; pH effect; Ethylene oxide copolymer; Experimental study; Colloidal gel; Methacrylic acid copolymer; Polyelectrolyte; Caprolactone copolymer; Cyclic ether copolymer; Aqueous medium; Preparation; Hydrogel; Photochemical copolymerization
• ISSN: 0141-3910; 1873-2321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2008.12.013

In this work, a novel biodegradable pH-sensitive hydrogel based on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), methoxpoly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) and methacrylic acid (MAA) was prepared by UV-initiated free radical polymerization. The resulting macromonomers and hydrogels were characterized by FTIR and/or 1H NMR. Swelling behaviour and pH sensitivity of the hydrogels were studied in detail. With increase in pH of aqueous medium from 1.2 to 7.2, swelling ratio of the hydrogels increased accordingly. The hydrolytic degradation behaviour was also investigated. The prepared biodegradable pH-sensitive hydrogel based on PCL, MPEG, and MAA might have great potential application in smart drug delivery system.