PNIPAM-MAPOSS Hybrid Hydrogels with Excellent Swelling Behavior and Enhanced Mechanical Performance: Preparation and Drug Release of 5-Fluorouracil

Abstract

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is a widely-studied polymers due to its excellent temperature sensitivity. PNIPAM-MAPOSS hybrid hydrogel, based on the introduction of acrylolsobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MAPOSS) into the PNIPAM matrix in the presence of polyethylene glycol, was prepared via radical polymerization. The modified hydrogels exhibited a thick, heterogeneous porous structure. PEG was used as a pore-forming agent to adjust the pore size. MAPOSS reduced the swelling ratios of gels, and decreased the LCST, causing the hydrogels to shrink at lower temperatures. However, its hydrophobicity helped to improve the temperature response rate. The incorporation of rigid MAPOSS into the polymer network greatly increased the compressive modulus of the hydrogel. It is worth noting that, by adjusting the amount of MAPOSS and PEG, the hydrogel could have both ideal mechanical properties and swelling behavior. In addition, hydrogel containing 8.33 wt % MAPOSS could achieve stable and sustained drug release. Thus, the prepared PNIPAM-MAPOSS hybrid hydrogel can serve as drug carrier for 5-fluorouracil and may have potential application in other biomedical fields.

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: A Review of the State-of-the-Art

“…These results suggest that the thermoresponsive copolymer acts as a barrier to the temperature-controlled release of the drug encapsulated within the mesopores. As a result, co-MPSs are thus promising magnetic and thermoresponsive nanocarriers for regulated medication delivery [ 177 ].…”

Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS)-Based Hybrid Soft Gels: Molecular Design, Material Advantages, and Emerging Applications

“…Hydrogels consisting of MAPOSS, PNIPAM, and PEGDMA were investigated with 5-fluorouracil as a model drug . The unique spatial structure of POSS was conducive to the storage and slow release of drugs and, thus, could prolong the drug release time and maintain the cumulative release percentage at the same time.…”

“…Hydrogels consisting of MAPOSS, PNIPAM, and PEGDMA were investigated with 5-fluorouracil as a model drug. 104 The unique spatial structure of POSS was conducive to the storage and slow release of drugs and, thus, could prolong the drug release time and maintain the cumulative release percentage at the same time. In addition, pore-forming agent PEG was used during the process of synthesis to provide a wider spectrum of drug release profile, together with POSS.…”

Thermal and morphological investigation of the effect of POSS‐(PEG2000)8 addition to UV curable PEGMEA/PEGDA formulation and simultaneously in situ formed silver nanoparticles

“…where Ws is the weight of swollen hydrogels, while Wd is the weight of dry hydrogels. [37,38] ORCID Elif Ozcelik Kazancioglu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0524-4189 Gonul S.…”