Thermoresponsive hydrogels based on sucrose 1-O '-methacrylate and N-isopropylacrylamide: Synthesis, properties, and applications

Author(s)

Lima de Menezes, Rafael Natal ; Rodrigues Camilo, Ana Paula ; Felisberti, Maria Isabel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science; v. 134, n. 44, p. 15-pg., 2017-11-20.

Abstract

Chemically crosslinked hydrogels composed of carbohydrate-based and thermoresponsive monomers, sucrose 1-O-methacrylate (SMA), sucrose dimethacrylate, and N-isopropylacrylamide, respectively, were synthesized by free radical polymerization. These materials were characterized with respect to their composition, thermoresponsiveness, porosity, degradability, and as drug and protein delivery systems. Swelling studies, thermomechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the lower critical solution temperature behavior of the hydrogels can be controlled by the SMA amount in the copolymers. On the other hand, thermoporometry showed that the pore size is somewhat dependent on the composition, which is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Hydrolytic degradation studies indicated that SMA side chains, as well as the crosslinker (sucrose dimethacrylate), are hydrolysable at corporeal temperature and pH 10, and the water swelling capability of the resulting materials increases as the hydrolysis degree increases. Finally, protein delivery studies revealed that the kinetics of release can be tailored by the copolymer composition. The results of this study suggest the potential application of these hydrogels in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/04217-4 - Hydrogels based on amphiphilic copolymers of sucrose methacrylate and N-isopropylacrylamide
• Grantee: Rafael Natal Lima de Menezes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 10/17804-7 - Polymeric composites
• Grantee: Maria Isabel Felisberti
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants