Swelling Behavior, Biocompatibility, and Controlled Delivery of Sodium–Diclofenac in New Temperature-Responsive P(OEGMA/OPGMA) Copolymeric Hydrogels
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the synthesis and properties of innovative poly(oligo(alkylene glycol)) methacrylate hydrogels synthesized via gamma radiation-induced copolymerization and the crosslinking of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA) and oligo(propylene glycol) methacrylate (OPGMA) at varying mole fractions. Our primary objective is to investigate the impact of copolymerization on the swelling properties of P(OEGMA/OPGMA) hydrogels compared to their homopolymeric counterparts, namely, POEGMA and POPGMA, which exhibit distinct volume phase transition temperatures (VPTTs) of around 70 and 13 °C, respectively, under physiological conditions. To this end, a comprehensive library of smart methacrylate-based hydrogel biomaterials was developed, featuring detailed data on their swelling behavior across different copolymer molar ratios and physiological temperature ranges. To achieve these objectives, we conducted swelling behavior analysis across a wide range of temperatures, assessed the pH sensitivity of hydrogels, utilized scanning electron microscopy for morphological characterization, performed in vitro biocompatibility assessment through cell viability and hemolysis assays, and employed diclofenac sodium as a model drug to control drug delivery testing. Our findings demonstrate that the newly synthesized P(OEGMA40/OPGMA60) copolymeric hydrogel exhibits desirable characteristics, with VPTT close to the physiological temperatures required for controlled drug delivery applications.
Source: Gels
DOI: 10.3390/gels11030201
Authors: Zorana Rogic Miladinovic, Maja Krstic, Edin Suljovrujic
Institutions: University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Medicine
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W4408452258