Synthesis of Chitosan/Poly (Diethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) Interpenetrating Polymer Network Gels

In this study, chitosan was cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to prepare semi-IPN (SIPN) and IPN hydrogel systems. Several interpenetrating polymer network (IPNs) type hydrogels from the mixture of chitosan, diethylamino ethylmethacrylate (DEAEM), potassium persulphate, N,N′- methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) of pH responsive swelling properties were synthesized by in-situ polymerization method. The IPN and semi-IPN (SIPN) gels prepared were characterized by swelling characteristics at 37 °C, and also by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM image of the semi-IPN gel shows smoother morphology while that of the IPNs gives rougher surface with smaller pores. The hydrogels obtained exhibit pH sensitive swelling behavior. All samples swell highest in acidic medium. The equilibrium swelling values obtained at pH 1, 7 and 11 respectively are as follows: IPN (822%)> SIPN (783%) > CH (173%), IPN (453%)> SIPN (235%)> CH (119%) IPN (425%)> SIPN (242%) > CH(78%). The drug ciprofloxacin was loaded into the IPN hydrogels in water. Drug release kinetics were followed in pH 1.2 buffer solution at 37 °C.