Radiation synthesis of acrylic acid/polyethyleneimine interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) hydrogels and its application as a carrier of atorvastatin drug for controlling cholesterol

Gamma irradiation was used to form interpenetrating polymer networks structure (IPNs) hydrogels based on different ratios of acrylic acid monomer (AAc) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The property-behavior was characterized by IR spectroscopy, gel content, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and swelling in water at room temperature and different pH values. The AAc/PEI hydrogels were used as a carrier for atorvastatin drug, in which the uptake-release character was studied. The results showed that the gel content of AAc/PEI hydrogels decreased greatly with increasing the ratio of PEI in the initial feeding solution. The AAc/PEI hydrogels displayed pH-sensitive character. The drug uptake-release study indicated that AAc/PEI hydrogels possessed controlled release behavior and that the release process depends on pH. In this respect, the release of atorvastatin drug was significant in acidic medium.

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► γ-Radiation synthesis of interpenetrating polymer networks hydrogels based on AAc/PEI.
► We examine the swelling kinetics and uptake-release characters of atorvastatin drug.
► AAc/PEI hydrogels showed swelling pH-sensitivity.
► AAc/PEI hydrogels display controlled drug release depending on pH-sensitivity.