Interpenetrating biopolymer network based hydrogels for an effective drug delivery system

► Design of a pH responsive and biodegradable hydrogel which can be explored as an intelligent device to deliver drugs. ► Swelling and deswelling behavioral study for effective drug delivery. ► Hydrolytic and soil burial degradation of the synthesized hydrogels. ► The introduction of polyol induces a hydrophobic network into the CH-HEC matrix resulting into a highly stable hydrogel membrane. ► The hydrophobic environment limits the swelling degree and can act as a reservoir of various drugs and their controlled release.