pH-responsive amphiphilic hydrogel networks with IPN structure: A strategy for controlled drug release

A pH-responsive amphiphilic hydrogel with interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) structure for controlled drug release was proposed. The IPN was constructed with hydrophilic poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and hydrophobic poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA). Using drug N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin, MEL) as a model molecule, the controlled drug release behaviors of the IPN were investigated. It is found that not only the release of MEL from the IPN can respond to change in pH, but also the presence of hydrophobic network can overcome disadvantageous burst effect of hydrophilic network. This may be a result of hydrophobic aggregation encapsulating MEL molecules.