Synthesis of biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogels as a local drug delivery system

Nanocomposite biocompatible hydrogels (NCHG) were synthesised as model systems for in situ cured potentially local drug delivery devices for curing periodontal infections. The composite consists of the following components: nanoparticles (NPs), matrix gel, and chlorhexidine (CHX) as antibacterial drug. The NPs were obtained by free radical initiated copolymerization of the monomers, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and polyethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), in aqueous solution. The same monomers were used to prepare crosslinked matrices by photopolymerization. NCHGs were obtained by mixing NPs, monomers, and drug in an aqueous solution then crosslinked by photopolymerization. Mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and the kinetics of drug release have been investigated. It was found that compression strength values increased with increasing ratio of the crosslinker PEGDMA. Incorporation of NPs into the matrix resulted similar compression strength as the matrix hydrogel. The hydrated NCHGs swelled more slowly but admitted more water. The drug was incorporated in NPs by swelling in CHX aqueous solution or added to the solution of monomer mixture followed by photopolymerization. Studies of release kinetics revealed that on average 60% of the loaded drug was released. The most rapid release was observed over a 24 h period for matrix gels with low crosslinking density. For NCHGs, the release period exceeded 48 h. An unexpected result was observed for NCHGs without drug in the NPs. In this case, increasing release was observed for the first 24 h. Thereafter, however, the apparent quantity of detectable drug decreased dramatically.     

Preparation of a pH-sensitive pantoprazole-imprinted polymer and evaluation of its drug-binding and -releasing properties

The aim of this work was to synthesize a pantoprazole-imprinted polymer(MIPs)and study its binding and release properties in an aqueous media.Methacrylic acid(MAA),methacrylamide(MAAM),hydroxyethyl methacrylate(HEMA),and 4-vinyl pyridine(4VP)were tested as functional monomers.Different solvents were also applied as polymerization media under heat or UV radiation.The optimized MIP was prepared in chloroform as a solvent,4-vinyl pyridine as a functional monomer,and ethylene glycole dimethacrylate(EGDMA)as a crosslinker monomer under UV irradiation.Binding and release properties of MIP were studied in comparison with a non-imprinted polymer(NIP)in aqueous media,at different pH values.The protective effect of polymer for drugs against acidic conditions was evaluated at pH 2.Results indicated that the MIP had superior binding properties compared to NIP for pantoprazole.The percentage of drug released from MIP was significantly less than from NIP at all pH values,which was attributed to the presence of imprinted cavities in the MIP matrix.MIP also had a stronger protective effect for pantoprazole in acidic media,in comparison with NIP.     

Incorporation of a designed ruthenium nitrosyl in PolyHEMA hydrogel and light-activated delivery of NO to myoglobin

A ruthenium nitrosyl with 4-vinylpyridine (4-vpy) as one ligand, namely, [Ru(Me2bpb)(NO)(4-vpy)](BF4) (1), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. This diamagnetic {Ru-NO}6 nitrosyl is photoactive and readily releases NO upon exposure to low-intensity (5-10 mW) UV light (quantum yield at 300 nm = 0.18). Radical-induced copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) in the presence of 1 has afforded a 1-pHEMA, a transparent hydrogel in which 1 is covalently attached to the polymer backbone. Exposure of 1-pHEMA to UV light (5-10 mW) results in rapid release of NO (detected by NO electrode) that can be delivered to biological targets such as myoglobin. The photoactivity of 1-pHEMA is strictly dependent on exposure to UV light.     

In Vitro Release of Local Anaesthetic and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs from Crosslinked Collagen Based Device

The drug delivery systems that are the object of this article take the form of a hydrophilic matrix (collagen or crosslinked collagen) containing a drug. These devices can be used as The model active agents, were chosen from the range of local anaesthetics (lidocaine hydrochloride), anti-inflammatory (diclofenac sodium salt) and antioxydant (caffeic acid). Whatever the drug affinity for water, in the first time of the experiments, the release appears to be systematically delayed when the matrix is crosslinked. For lidocaine hydrochloride based systems, as the amount of drug increases in the matrix, the high gap concentration between the matrix and the buffer solution promote the diffusion and a Fickian behavior is observed on the release curves. Depending on the chemical nature of the drug and its solubility, several interactions between the drug and the collagen matrix can be considered. A new drug delivery system containing caffeic acid as the anti-inflammatory and antioxydant molecule could be tested. This new system was able to release 95% of the drug in 5 h and the global release rate depends on the initial drug concentration in the device.     

Mono- or narrow disperse poly(methacrylate-co-divinylbenzene) microspheres by precipitation polymerization

Precipitation copolymerizations of five mono-vinyl methacrylic monomers including methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA), dodecyl methacrylate (DMA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with divinylbenzene (DVB), in a wide range of comonomer composition, were carried out in acetonitrile to form mono- or narrow disperse crosslinked copolymer microspheres. In addition, two divinyl methacrylic monomers, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), were also copolymerized with DVB, and optionally a third comonomer (GMA or HEMA), to yield similar microspheres in acetonitrile. The possibility of creating porosity was explored for some of the copolymer particles. All these microspheres have clean surfaces due to the absence of any added steric or ionic stabilizer, and they are in the size of the micrometer range, varying from 1 to 7 µm, depending on the type and content of the methacrylic comonomer. Particle size distribution, surface morphology, internal texture, and porosity properties of these particles were studied by a Coulter Multisizer, a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope, and an Autosorb-1. The effects of comonomers on microsphere formation and morphology are described. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 2899–2907, 1999     

Methyl methacrylate-co-itaconic acid (MMA-co-IA) hydrogels for controlled drug delivery

In the present work methyl methacrylate-co-itaconic acid (MMA-co-IA) hydrogels were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and itaconic acid (IA) using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and methylene bisacrylamide (MBAAm) as crosslinkers and benzoyl peroxide as initiator. Selected samples were loaded with model drug lactulose. For the lactulose release, the effect of pH, monomeric compositions, degree of crosslinking were investigated. The release of lactulose was studied for 8 h period in USP phosphate buffer solutions of varying pH 1.2, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.0. The drug release data were fitted into various kinetics models like the zero order, first order, Higuchi and Peppas. The release kinetics of lactulose from MMA/IA hydrogels was found to be best described by the Peppas model. Results showed that drug release increased by increasing IA content in the hydrogels but the effect of changing of crosslinking ratio on drug release was not significant. The surface morphology of MMA/IA drug loaded hydrogel was studied by SEM which revealed uniform distribution of the drug in the hydrogels. In conclusion, it can be said that lactulose can be successfully incorporated into crosslinked MMA/IA hydrogels and its release can be modulated by changing the mole fraction of the acid component in the gels.     

Radiation synthesis of poly[(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-co-(ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate)] hydrogels and its application as a carrier for anticancer delivery

The use of hydrogels as carriers for anticancer delivery has been a subject of significant recent research. In our recent work, we have shown that diffusion-controlled delivery of flutamide from hydrogels containing poly (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)/ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA)) can be possible and controlled by the three-dimensional structure. Hydrogels based essentially on dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and different ratios of ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate monomers were synthesized using gamma radiation copolymerization. The influence of copolymer composition and pH value of the surrounding medium on swelling behavior into the glassy polymer were discussed. The results showed that the ratio of EGDMA in the comonomer feeding solution has a great effect on the gel fraction and water content in the final hydrogel. In this regard, it was observed that the increase of EGDMA ratio decreased these properties. The ability of the prepared copolymer to be used as drug carrier for anticancer drug-delivery system was estimated using flutamide as a model drug. In vitro drug-release studies in different buffer solutions show that the basic parameters affecting the drug release behavior of hydrogel are the pH of the solution and DMAEMA content of hydrogel.     

Preparation of Biocompatible Graphene Oxide Composite Hydrogel to Deliver Ophthalmic Drugs

Considering that conventional hydrogels showed limited capabilities of controlling hydrophobic drug loading and releasing and graphene materials had interactions with hydrophobic drugs, we designed a graphene oxide (GO) composite hydrogel for drug delivery. But GO could not disperse well in monomer solution and agglomerated badly. Thus, water-soluble GO (GO-tripolymer) was first prepared under the stabilization of amphiphilic polymer, Pluronic F-127. The GO-tripolymer showed good solubility in PBS with the increase of polymer concentration. All GO-tripolymer solutions had the same UV absorption peaks as GO. Then, GO composite hydrogels (HNG hydrogels) were formed by the polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N-Vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) and GO-tripolymer mixture. The introduction of GO-tripolymer had little effect on the gelation time and equilibrium swelling ratio of hydrogel. The freeze-drying hydrogel showed porous structure. The pore size decreased and the rough surface was detected with the increase of GO concentration. HNG hydrogel could load more puerarin and norfloxacin than conventional hydrogel (HN hydrogel). Moreover, HNG hydrogel could control puerarin and norfloxacin release more steadily than HN hydrogel. HNG exhibited low cytotoxicity.     

Swelling and drug release behavior of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/itaconic acid) copolymeric hydrogels obtained by gamma irradiation

The new copolymeric hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and itaconic acid (IA) were prepared by gamma irradiation, in order to examine the potential use of these hydrogels in controlled drug release systems. The influence of IA content in the gel on the swelling characteristics and the releasing behavior of hydrogels, and the effect of different drugs, theophylline (TPH) and fenethylline hydrochloride (FE), on the releasing behavior of P(HEMA/IA) matrix were investigated in vitro. The diffusion exponents for swelling and drug release indicate that the mechanisms of buffer uptake and drug release are governed by Fickian diffusion. The swelling kinetics and, therefore, the release rate depends on the matrix swelling degree. The drug release was faster for copolymeric hydrogels with a higher content of itaconic acid. Furthermore, the drug release for TPH as model drug was faster due to a smaller molecular size and a weaker interaction of the TPH molecules with(in) the P(HEMA/IA) copolymeric networks.     

Synthesis of core-shell polymer microspheres by two-stage distillation-precipitation polymerization

Narrow- or monodisperse core-shell polymer microspheres with a dense core and a lightly crosslinked shell with different functional groups, such as ester, hydroxyl, cyano, were prepared by two-stage distillation-precipitation polymerization without any stabilizer. Commercial divinylbenzene (DVB), containing 80% of DVB was polymerized by distillation-precipitation polymerization with 2,2′-azobis(2-methyl propionitrile) (AIBN) as initiator in neat acetonitrile in the absence of any stabilizer as the first stage polymerization and used as the core. When the conversion of DVB was about 35% in the first stage, the second-comonomers with different functional groups, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), i-octyl acrylate (i-OA), dodecyl acrylate (DA), methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (Trim), and acrylnitrile (AN) together with AIBN were introduced, respectively, into the reaction system and copolymerized with unreacted DVB on the core surface to form a lightly crosslinked functional shell. The resulting core-shell polymer particles were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR spectra.     

REDV/雷帕霉素复合涂层构建内皮细胞选择性功能界面

运用复合涂层的概念构建了兼具药物洗脱和内皮促进作用的载药涂层. 以载雷帕霉素(Rapamycin, RAP)的聚乙二醇甲基丙烯酸酯(PEGMA)-甲基丙烯酸丁酯(BMA)(PEGMA-BMA, PEGB)为内层, Arg-Glu-Asp-Val(REDV)多肽修饰的PEGBN为外层包裹载药涂层. 体外药物释放结果表明, 雷帕霉素可以维持缓慢稳定的长效释放, 释放过程中没有出现暴释现象. 表面细胞生长行为表明, 雷帕霉素可以有效地阻抗内皮细胞和平滑肌细胞的黏附, 抑制细胞活性; 随着药物释放的进行, 雷帕霉素浓度逐渐减低, 但涂层依然维持对平滑肌细胞的非特异性阻抗; 而REDV修饰的外涂层开始呈现内皮细胞的选择性黏附, 随着释放时间延长, 内皮细胞特异选择性也逐渐加强. 雷帕霉素和REDV多肽协同构建的复合涂层能够有效抑制平滑肌细胞的增殖, 获得内皮细胞选择性黏附.     

Photopolymerization of alicyclic methacrylate hydrogels for controlled release

Alicyclic hydroxy methacrylate monomer, o‐hydroxycyclohexyl methacrylate (HCMA), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H‐NMR). Photopolymerization kinetics of HCMA was investigated via real‐time infrared spectroscopy (RT‐IR). Polymeric network hydrogels based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and HCMA were prepared by using the photopolymerization technique. Mechanical strength, swelling characteristic, and controlled release behavior of hydrogels with various feed compositions were studied. Poly(HEMA‐co‐HCMA) hydrogel had higher storage modulus than that of poly(HEMA) hydrogel as investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Acid orange 8 was used as a model drug for the investigation of drug release behavior of copolymeric hydrogels. Results indicated that increase in HCMA ratio in hydrogel composition could reduce the swelling rate and prolong the release time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also utilized to study the surface morphology of hydrogels, and the results indicated that HCMA content influenced pore diameter on the hydrogel surface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Curing kinetics of the synthesis of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking agent

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the effect of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA, as a crosslinking agent) content on the curing kinetics of the polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). EGDMA may cause a crosslinking-facilitated gel effect which reduces the termination rate of living free radicals and enhances the overall reaction rate, but it may also induce a diffusional resistance for the reactants so that some free monomers are trapped and pendant vinyl groups are prohibited from reaction by the crosslinked structure. At higher content of EGDMA, the later effect becomes predominant, and the reaction rate and the final conversion are limited. The exothermic peak of the curing reaction tends to carry a shoulder and then split into two peaks as the amount of EGDMA is increased, possibly due to a later reaction of the trapped monomers and pendant vinyls. The heat of reaction measured by DSC in the scanning mode is 61.2 kJ/mol CC. The activation energy (E) of the curing reaction ranges from 56.5 to 78.3 kJ/mol CC depending on the EGDMA content and the type of operation. The diffusion-limited reaction rate and the different thermal history experienced in the nonisothermal and isothermal curing can result in variations of the results in the activation energy measurement. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 1873–1889, 1997     

Analyses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by on-line concentration capillary electrochromatography using poly(stearyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene) monolithic columns

This study describes the ability of on-line concentration capillary electrochromatography (CEC) coupled with UV or mass spectrometry (MS) for the determination of nine common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in water samples. A series of poly(stearyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene) (poly(SMA-DVB)) monolithic columns, which were prepared by single step in situ polymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB), stearyl methacrylate (SMA) and vinylbenzenesulfonic acid (VBSA, charged monomer), were developed as separation columns for the first time. The effects of polymerization condition of monolithic columns on analyte separations were examined, and the results indicated that separation performances were markedly improved in monolithic columns prepared with short reaction time (3 h) and low SMA:DVB ratio (40/60 ratio of SMA:DVB). Subsequently, an on-line concentration step of step-gradient elution was combined to this CEC system, and by optimizing the difference in eluent strength between the sample matrix and mobile phase, all NSAIDs detection sensitivity were improved (limit of detection (LOD) was 3.4-10 μg/L for UV, and 0.01-0.19 μg/L for MS). When compared to the best CE and LC reports on NSAIDs analyses so far, this on-line concentration CEC method provided better detection ability within shorter separation time (12 min) when either UV or MS detector was employed. This is the first report for on-line concentration CEC with MS detection applied in trace solute analyses of real samples.     

Biocompatible amphiphilic conetwork based on crosslinked star copolymers: A potential drug carrier

A series of amphiphilic conetworks (APCNs) is synthesized through crosslinking of well‐defined tri‐arm star diblock copolymers via atom transfer radical polymerization. A new three‐arm initiator is synthesized to initiate the polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) via “core‐first” method. The resulting star HEMA homopolymers with well‐defined molecular weight and narrow polydispersity are used as macroinitiator to incorporate allyl methacrylate to get the star diblock copolymers. Then, the precursors with allyl pendant groups are fully crosslinked with polyhydrosiloxanes through hydrosilylation. The so‐prepared APCNs exhibit unique properties of microphase separation of hydrophilic (HI) and hydrophobic (HO) phases with small channel size, a variable swelling capacity, excellent biocompatibility, and outstanding mechanical strength (2 ± 0.5 MPa). The properties of APCNs depend on the ratio of HI to HO, which can be regulated via precise synthesis of the star diblock copolymers. The APCNs show well‐controlled drug release to choline theophyllinate, suggesting a promising intelligent drug carrier for controlled release. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2537–2545     

Controlling drug release from imprinted hydrogels by modifying the characteristics of the imprinted cavities

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the template/functional monomer proportion on the achievement of molecularly imprinted hydrogels with cavities with a high enough affinity for the drug to sustain drug release. Imprinted hydrogels were prepared from N,N-dimethylacrylamide and tris(trimethylsiloxy)sililpropyl methacrylate (DMAA and TRIS; main components), methacrylic acid (MAA; functional monomer), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA; cross-linker), and timolol (template drug). Photo-polymerization of the monomer solutions was carried out in poly(propylene) molds (0.3 mm thickness) to obtain contact lens-like devices. Non-imprinted control hydrogels were also prepared in the same way but without the addition of timolol. The imprinted hydrogels showed a higher affinity for timolol and a slower release rate than the non-imprinted hydrogels. The release rate decreased by increasing the MAA/timolol ratio in the gel recipe. Hydrogels prepared with 400 x 10(-3) M MAA, 600 x 10(-3) M EGDMA, and a timolol/MAA mole ratio of 1:16-1:32 had drug diffusion coefficients two orders of magnitude below those of non-imprinted hydrogels. The results obtained clearly indicate that the timolol release rate is critically affected by the conditions under which the hydrogels were synthesized. These effects are discussed on the basis of the influence of drug proportion on the conformation of the imprinted cavities.     

Preparation and evaluation of a neutral methacrylate-based monolithic column for hydrophilic interaction stationary phase by pressurized capillary electrochromatography

A polar and neutral polymethacrylate-based monolithic column was evaluated as a hydrophilic interaction capillary electrochromatography (HI-CEC) stationary phase with small polar–neutral or charged solutes. The polar sites on the surface of the monolithic solid phase responsible for hydrophilic interactions were provided from the hydroxy and ester groups on the surface of the monolithic stationary phase. These polar functionalities also attract ions from the mobile phase and impart the monolithic solid phase with a given zeta potential to generate electro-osmotic flow (EOF). The monolith was prepared by in situ copolymerization of a neutral monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and a polar cross-linker with hydroxy group, pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA), in the presence of a binary porogenic solvent consisting cyclohexanol and dodecanol. A typical HI-CEC mechanism was observed on the neutral polar stationary phase for both neutral and charged analytes. The composition of the polymerization mixture was systematically altered and optimized by altering the amount of HEMA in the polymerization solution as well as the composition of the porogenic solvent. The monoliths were tested in the pCEC mode. The resulting monoliths had different characteristics of hydrophilicity, column permeability, and efficiency. The effects of pH, salt concentration, and organic solvent content on the EOF velocity and the separation of nucleic acids and nucleosides on the optimized monolithic column were investigated. The optimized monolithic column resulted in good separation and with greater than 140,000 theoretical plates/m for pCEC.     

Kinetics and Equilibrium Swelling Properties of Hydrophilic Polymethacrylate Networks

Summary: Hydrogels were synthesized by polymerization of 2-Hydroxy ethylmethacrylate (HEMA) in the presence of ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking agent. Structural information and thermophysical properties of the hydrogels were analyzed using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetrical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The swelling behaviour of the obtained chemically crosslinked P(HEMA-EGDMA) networks in aqueous solution was investigated as a function of the pH value and concentration of crosslinking agent. Plateau values were found at equilibrium swelling for a low pH value after one day swelling, whereas increasing water uptake was obtained for pH = 6.32 even at swelling times of more than five days. For short swelling times, a linear relationship between swelling ratio and time was found. Experimental data were rationalized using Fick's second law of diffusion. For early and moderate times of diffusion, threshold values were found in all cases considered here, indicating a Fickian behaviour below and a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism above the threshold.     

Controlled-release of drugs from cross-linked polymers containing cubane as a crosslinking agent

Two anti-inflammatory drugs, indomethacin and aspirin together with cubane-1, 4-dicarboxylic acid (CDA) were covalently linked with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The drug-linked HEMA (indomethacin-linked HEMA) is abbreviated as HI, aspirin-linked HEMA as HA and cubane-1, 4-dicarboxylic acid (CDA) linked to two HEMA group is the cross-linking agent (CA). A difunctional spacer group was introduced between the drugs and acrylic moiety of the monomer through a hydrolyzable ester linkage. Free radical cross-linking polymerization of the monomers with drug effect was carried out in dioxane solution at various CA ratios, using AIBN as initiator in the temperature range 60-70°C. The compositions of the cross-linked three-dimensional polymers were determined by FT-IR spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the network polymers was determined calorimetrically. The hydrolysis of drug-polymer conjugates was carried out in cellophane membrane dialysis bags containing an aqueous buffer solution (pH 8 and pH 1) at 37°C. Detection of the hydrolysis product by UV spectroscopy shows that the drugs were released by hydrolysis of the ester bond located between the drug and spacer group.