A biocompatible double network hydrogel based on poly (acrylic acid) grafted onto sodium alginate for doxorubicin hydrochloride anticancer drug release

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-03, Vol.260 (Pt 2), p.128871-128871, Article 128871
• Main Authors: Bardajee, Ghasem Rezanejade, Ghadimkhani, Roghieh, Jafarpour, Farnaz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Double network hydrogel; Drug delivery; Sodium alginate
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128871

This study involved the synthesis of a new biocompatible slow-release hydrogel named poly (acrylic acid) grafted onto sodium alginate (poly (AA-g-SA)) double network hydrogel (DNH). The hydrogel was created by polymerization of acrylic acid grafted onto sodium alginate polysaccharide using crosslinkers N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide and calcium chloride via free radical polymerization. The water absorbency of the poly (AA-g-SA) double network hydrogel was improved by optimizing the quantities of ammonium persulfate initiator, pH-sensitive monomer of acrylic acid, and crosslinkers. Various analytical techniques including attenuated total reflection Fourier-transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area analysis (BET) were used to characterize the synthesized hydrogels. The swelling and on-off switching behaviors of the hydrogels were investigated in deionized (DI) water at different temperatures and pH values. The optimum poly (AA-g-SA) DNH was tested for in vitro release of a hydrophilic chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). The eco-friendly hydrogel favorably optimized the DOX slow release owing to its swelling rate, high absorption and regeneration capabilities. The findings of this study may have significant implications for medical and scientific research. •The synthesis of a new double network hydrogel is reported.•The hydrogel is synthesized by grafting poly(acrylic acid) onto sodium alginate biopolymer.•N,N′-Methylenebisacrylamide and calcium chloride are used as crosslinkers.•Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize the hydrogel.•The double network hydrogel was tested for the in vitro release of DOX.