Synthesis and Characterization of pH Sensitive Poly (Hydroxy Ethyl Methacrylate-co-acrylamidoglycolic Acid) Based Hydrogels for Controlled Release Studies of 5-Fluorouracil

Hydrogels were prepared from 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate and acrylamidoglycolic acid using N,N'-methylene bis acrylamide as a crosslinking agent in presence of potassium persulfate initiator. The average molecular mass between crosslinks (M c) and polymer-solvent interaction parameter of hydrogels were determined from equilibrium swelling values. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of hydrogels shows the confirmation of the formation of co-polymeric hydrogels. Scanning electron microscopy of hydrogels shows the porous network structure. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction were performed to understand the crystalline nature of hydrogel and drug after encapsulation in to hydrogels. In vitro release studies indicated the release of 5-Fluorouracil for more than 12h.