Synthesis and Characterization of Poly[2-(diethylamino ethyl methacrylate)] Hydrogels

Poly[2-(diethylamino ethyl methacrylate)] (PDEAEM) and its ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) cross-linked hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Chemical structure was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The morphology of the homopolymer and of the hydrogels was investigated by SEM analysis. Swelling properties of the EGDMA crosslinked hydrogels of PDEAEM were followed under acidic and neutral conditions. The results revealed weakly pH responsive swelling behaviour with equilibrium swelling capacity values of 50% in acidic medium and 30% in distilled water. The drug loading and delivery properties of the homopolymer and its hydrogels were investigated using ciprofloxacin HCl as the model compound. EGDMA crosslinked hydrogels of PDEAEM exhibited 35% CFX loading capacity at pH=4 in 72 h. A percent cumulative drug release value of 60 was obtained with the hydrogel that (DEAEM/EGDMA = 1:7.5 by mole) within 2 hours in acidic solution. Keywords: 2-(diethylamino ethyl methacrylate), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, hydrogels, ciprofloxacin-HCl, potassium persulfate, free radical polymerization.