Synthesis and Characterization of pH- and Temperature-Sensitive Poly(methacrylic acid)/Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Interpenetrating Polymeric Networks

Hydrogels of an interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) composed of the temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and the pH-sensitive poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) were prepared by a sequential UV polymerization method. The IPN hydrogels were characterized for their temperature- and pH-responsive behavior by equilibrium swelling studies, oscillatory swelling studies, and differential scanning calorimetry. The permeability of these IPNs has been investigated under various pH and temperature conditions. The results showed that these hydrogels exhibited a combined pH- and temperature-sensitivity at a temperature range of 31−32 °C and a pH value of approximately 5.5. Permeation study results indicate a significant size exclusion behavior while model drugs with different sizes permeate through the IPN membranes. The permeability of the IPN membrane can be significantly affected by varying the pH and temperature conditions.