Synthesis, Characterization and Controlled Drug Release of Thermosensitive Poly(NIPAAm-co-HEMA) and IPN(NIPAAm/HEMA) Hydrogels

Abstract

A series of thermo-sensitive copolymers and interpenetrating network hydrogels were prepared using PNIPAAm and HEMA.The effects of the PNIPAAm/HEMA ratio on the swelling ratio ,and deswelling and reswelling kinetics of gels at different temperatures and drug release characteristics in vitro were discussed. The results showed that the copolymer and IPN hydrogels exhibited thermo-sensitive swelling characteristics. Therefore, the hydrogels may be useful in the controlled drug delivery systems.