Physicochemical modification of hydroxylated polymers to develop thermosensitive double network hydrogels

Due to the unique biophysicochemical characteristics of synthesized superhydrophilic poly[N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl] acrylamide] (PTHMMA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), in this study, we investigated the preparation of physically and chemically crosslinked thermosensitive double network (DN) hydrogels with superior mechanical properties. The effect of the combination of PTHMMA with PVA was further explored experimentally and theoretically. Moreover, adjusting the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PTHMMA/PVA DN hydrogels in the phosphate buffer was achieved by chemical alteration and crosslinking of water-soluble polymers. Changing the composition and the extent of ether/acetal linkages altered the LCST based on hydrophilic/hydrophobic composition, which decreased the complexity of adjusting hydrogels' temperature sensitivity. PTHMMA-comprising hydrogels were found to have non-Fickian and super case Iota Iota transport characters. Moreover, the construction of shrunken PVA at high temperature was tailored by introducing PTHMMA into the network to permit a relaxed drug release of indomethacin (IND) at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4. Finally, the tensile strength, the equilibrium water content, thermo-sensitivity, and cell viability behaviors suggest that these materials can be tailored for potential applications as biomaterials.

Automated summary

By combining two polymers, this study successfully prepared thermosensitive double network hydrogels with superior mechanical properties, lowering the complexity of adjusting temperature sensitivity by regulating the hydrophilic/hydrophobic composition. These hydrogels exhibit non-Fickian and super case Iota Iota transport characteristics, and can release drugs in a relaxed manner.