Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Preparation and characterization of a novel pH-sensitive hydrogel obtained from UV light-induced polymerization

  • Published:
Applied Physics A Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to develop a novel pH-sensitive hydrogel prepared via an UV light-induced polymerization. Single-factor experiments were performed to acquire the optimum formula of final poly(MAA-co-PEGMA) hydrogel. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra were employed to confirm the successful preparation of the designed copolymers. Inner morphologies of the polymeric hydrogels were observed via an S-4800 scanning electron microscope (SEM). Swelling and reversible swelling–shrinking studies were carried out in different phosphate buffer solution (PBS) with various pH values. Drug-loading tests were performed with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model drug. The in vitro release profile was also investigated in PBS with the pH values of 1.2 and 7.4. FTIR spectra confirmed the preparation of the poly(MAA-co-PEGMA) copolymers without any residual monomers. The typical space grid structures were observed from the SEM photographs of hydrogels. The obtained hydrogel showed an excellent pH-sensibility and reversible swelling–shrinking property. The maximum drug-loading (40.9 %) was gained from the BSA concentration of 50.0 mg/mL. During the releasing process, only 5.8 ± 0.9 % of BSA was released at pH 1.2, but 82.1 ± 6.2 % was diffused at pH 7.4. These data suggested that such medicated hydrogel could deliver BSA to alkaline conditions (e.g., intestinal environments) site-specifically, which protected BSA from destroying by gastric acid or pepsase. Therefore, such hydrogel had a significant meaning in theoretical research and practical application.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Scheme 1
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. F. Ganji, E. Vasheghani-Farahani, Hydrogels in controlled drug delivery systems. Iran. Polym. J. 18(1), 63–88 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Q. Shang, Y. Zhang, T. Chen, Y. Liang, Y. Shi, Preliminary studies on pH-sensitive hydrogels and in vitro release profiles of two model drugs. J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed. 24(12), 1459–1471 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  3. R. Marcombe, S. Cai, W. Hong, X. Zhao, Y. Lapusta, Z. Suo, A theory of constrained swelling of a pH-sensitive hydrogel. Soft Matter 6, 784–793 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  4. S.-C. Chen, Y.-C. Wu, F.-L. Mi, Y.-H. Lin, L.-C. Yu, H.-W. Sung, A novel pH-sensitive hydrogel composed of N, O-carboxymethyl chitosan and alginate cross-linked by genipin for protein drug delivery. J. Control. Release 96, 285–300 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  5. M. Liu, L. Wang, H. Su, H. Cao, T. Tan, pH-sensitive IPN hydrogel based on poly(aspartic acid) and poly(vinyl alcohol) for controlled release. Polym. Bull. 70(10), 2815–2827 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  6. C. Wang, A. Javadi, M. Ghaffari, S. Gong, A pH-sensitive molecularly imprinted nanospheres/hydrogel composite as a coating for implantable biosensors. Biomaterials 31(18), 4944–4951 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. V. Dulong, G. Mocanu, D.L. Cerf, A novel amphiphilic pH-sensitive hydrogel based on pullulan. Colloid Polym. Sci. 285(10), 1085–1091 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Q. Wang, X. Xie, X. Zhang, J. Zhang, A. Wang, Preparation and swelling properties of pH-sensitive composite hydrogel beads based on chitosan-g-poly(acrylic acid)/vermiculite and sodium alginate for diclofenac controlled release. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 46(3), 356–362 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  9. M.S. Mohy Eldin, H.M. El-Sherif, E.A. Soliman, A.A. Elzatahry, A.M. Omer, Polyacrylamide-grafted carboxymethyl cellulose: smart pH-sensitive hydrogel for protein concentration. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 122(1), 469–479 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  10. R. Gong, C. Li, S. Zhu, Y. Zhang, Y. Du, J. Jiang, A novel pH-sensitive hydrogel based on dual crosslinked alginate/N-α-glutaric acid chitosan for oral delivery of protein. Carbohydr. Polym. 85, 869–874 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  11. D. Mandracchia, G. Pitarresi, F.S. Palumbo, B. Carlisi, G. Giammona, pH-sensitive hydrogel based on a novel photocross-linkable copolymer. Biomacromolecules 5(5), 1973–1982 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Y.-N. Dai, P. Lia, J.-P. Zhang, A.-Q. Wang, Q. Wei, A novel pH sensitive N-succinyl chitosan/alginate hydrogel bead for nifedipine delivery. Biopharm. Drug Dispos. 29, 173–184 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  13. B. Hui, J. Chen, L. Yang, J. Li, Y. Pei, L. Shi, Preparation of pH- and thermo-sensitive hydrogel by two-step grafting of acrylamide and acrylic acid onto preirradiated polyethylene film. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 260(3), 673–677 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  14. J. Sun, J. Chen, L. Yang, S. Wang, Z. Li, H. Wu, Synthesis and characterization of a pH-sensitive hydrogel made of pyruvic-acid-modified chitosan. J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed. 18(1), 35–44 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  15. L. Shi, L. Yang, J. Chen, Y. Pei, M. Chen, B. Hui, J. Li, Preparation and characterization of pH-sensitive hydrogel of chitosan/poly(acrylic acid) co-polymer. J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed. 15(4), 465–474 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  16. D. Huang, C. Zhang, K. Yu, T. Wang, J. Mu, Preparation of a novel pH-sensitive hydrogel based on acrylic acid and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane for controlled drug release of theophylline. Polym. Bull. 71(8), 1877–1889 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  17. S.J. Kim, C.K. Lee, Y.M. Lee, Electrical/pH-sensitive swelling behavior of polyelectrolyte hydro gels prepared with hyaluronic acid–poly(vinyl alcohol) interpenetrating polymer networks. React. Funct. Polym. 55(3), 291–298 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  18. M.N. Khalid, F. Agnely, N. Yagoubi, J.L. Grossiord, G. Couarraze, Water state characterization, swelling behavior, thermal and mechanical properties of chatoyant based networks. Euro. J. Pharm. Sci. 15(5), 425–432 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  19. E. Unsal, A. Durdu, B. Elmas, M. Tuncel, A. Tuncel, A new affinity-HPLC packing for protein separation: cibacron blue attached uniform porous poly(HEMA-co-EDM) beads. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 383(6), 930–937 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Z. Liu, Y. Luo, K. Zhang, P(AAm-co-MAA) semi-IPN hybrid hydrogels in the presence of PANI and MWNTs-COOH: improved swelling behavior and mechanical properties. J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed. 19(11), 1503–1520 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  21. J. Wu, J. Lin, G. Li, C. Wei, Influence of the COOH and COONa groups and crosslink density of poly(acrylic acid)/montmorillonite superabsorbent composite on water absorbency. Polym. Int. 50(9), 1050–1053 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  22. M. Morishita, A.M. Lowman, K. Takayama, T. Nagai, N.A. Peppas, Elucidation of the mechanism of incorporation of insulin in controlled release systems based on complexation polymers. J. Control. Release 81, 25–32 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  23. W.B. Liechty, M.C. Moore, M.A. Phillips, C. Schoener, N.A. Peppas, Responsive theranostic systems: integration of diagnostic imaging agents and responsive controlled release drug delivery carriers. J. Biomed. Microdevices Release 119, 155 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering Institute, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei, 050000, China

    R. Q. Tian, Y. G. Zhao, Y. Q. Cui, X. Y. Zhang, J. Zhang, X. Y. Liang & Q. Shang

Authors
  1. R. Q. Tian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Y. G. Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Y. Q. Cui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. X. Y. Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. J. Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. X. Y. Liang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Q. Shang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Q. Shang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tian, R.Q., Zhao, Y.G., Cui, Y.Q. et al. Preparation and characterization of a novel pH-sensitive hydrogel obtained from UV light-induced polymerization. Appl. Phys. A 119, 753–761 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-015-9024-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-015-9024-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation