Search

Metronidazole (MD) is known as a periodontitis medicine and has been widely used in antibiotics for resistance to anaerobic bacteria, periodontal disease, and other threats. To treat diseases, drug delivery carriers are needed with a high bioadhesive property and enhanced drug penetration. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel films have a good bioadhesive property and are able to localize the absorption site and increase the drug residence time. In this study, we fabricated a MD loaded PAA hydrogel with different MD content (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt%) using varying doses (25, 50, and 75 kGy) and the radiation doses (25, 50, or 75 kGy) in a one-step gamma-ray irradiation process. The chemical and physical structure were determined through a Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, gel content, and compressive strength. In addition, MD loaded PAA hydrogels were performed to MD release behaviors and cytotoxicity. Finally, we conducted antibacterial activity to demonstrate the prevention of growth of bacteria as a therapeutic dressing. The basic chemical structure analysis of MD was changed greatly at radiation doses of 50 and 75 kGy due to degradation by gamma-ray irradiation. However, when the absorbed dose was 25 kGy, the chemical structure analysis of MD did not change significantly, and the gel content and compressive strength of MD/PAA hydrogel were approximately 80% and 130 kPa, respectively. The MD/PAA hydrogels exhibited no cytotoxicity and good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans. These results provide good evidence that MD/PAA hydrogel prepared by gamma-ray irradiation has potential as a competitive candidate for the therapeutic dressing.

Herein, carboxymethyl chitosan and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) based hydrogels were synthesized by electron beam irradiation with dose variations (15 kGy, 30 kGy, and 45 kGy) for drug delivery applications. Irradiation crosslinked hydrogels were characterized for swellings in different medias, chemical, thermal, cell cytotoxicity, and drug release aspects. Swelling analysis was evaluated in distilled water, buffer, and saline solutions. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed the establishment of physical interactions and confirmed the presence of functional groups present in the drug carriers. Scanning electron microscopy depicted the porous structure, which is responsible for swelling, drug loading, and release. Cell cytotoxicity assays indicated good cell viability on RAW 264.7 cells and anticancer activity on cancerous AGS cell lines. Cumulative drug release (%) of kanamycin in PBS at pH 7.4 was more than 90 % at 168 h. These drug carriers show promise to be developed as a sustained drug delivery system.

Conducting polymer (CP)-based hydrogels exhibit the behaviors of bending or contraction/relaxation due to electrical stimulation. They are similar in some ways to biological organs and have advantages regarding manipulation and miniaturization. Thus, these hydrogels have attracted considerable interest for biomedical applications. In this study, we prepared PPy/PVP hydrogel with different concentrations and content through polymerization and cross-linking induced by gamma-ray irradiation at 25 kGy to optimize the mechanical properties of the resulting PPy/PVP hydrogel. Optimization of the PPy/PVP hydrogel was confirmed by characterization using scanning electron microscopy, gel fraction, swelling ratio, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, we assessed live-cell viability using live/dead assay and CCK-8 assay, and found good cell viability regardless of the concentration and content of Py/pTS. The conductivity of PPy/PVP hydrogel was at least 13 mS/cm. The mechanical properties of PPy/PVP hydrogel are important factors in their application for biomaterials. It was found that 0.15PPy/PVP20 (51.96 &plusmn, 6.12 kPa) exhibited better compressive strength than the other samples for use in CP-based hydrogels. Therefore, it was concluded that gamma rays can be used to optimize PPy/PVP hydrogel and that biomedical applications of CP-based hydrogels will be possible.

A buccal delivery system provides a much milder environment for drug delivery compared to an oral delivery which presents a hostile environment for drugs, especially proteins and polypeptides, owing to acid hydrolysis. Local delivery in an oral cavity has particular applications in the treatment of toothaches, periodontal disease, and bacterial infections. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-based hydrogels prepared using a chemical initiator have been attempted for a mucoadhesive system owing to their flexibility and excellent bioadhesion. In this experiment, PAA and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were selected to prepare using a radiation process a bioadhesive hydrogel for adhesion to mucosal surfaces. PAA and PEG were dissolved in purified water to prepare a homogeneous PAA/PEG solution, and the solution was then irradiated using an electron beam at dose up to 70 kGy to make the hydrogels. Their physical properties, such as gel percent, swelling percent, and adhesive strength to mucosal surfaces, were investigated. In this experiment, various amounts of PEG were incorporated into the PAA to enhance the mucoadhesive property of the hydrogels. The effect of the molecular weight of PEG on the mucoadhesion was also examined.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)/chondroitin sulfate (CS)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) hydrogel systems were synthesized by gamma-ray irradiation without the use of additional initiators or crosslinking agents to achieve a biocompatible hydrogel system for skin tissue engineering. HA and CS derivatives with polymerizable residues were synthesized. Then, the hydrogels composed of glycosaminoglycans, HA, CS, and a synthetic ionic polymer, PAAc, were prepared using gamma-ray irradiation through simultaneous free radical copolymerization and crosslinking. The physicochemical properties of the HA/CS/PAAc hydrogels having various compositions were investigated to evaluate their feasibility as artificial skin substitutes. The gel fractions of the HA/CS/PAAc hydrogels increased in absorbed doses up to 15 kGy, and they exhibited 91–93% gel fractions under 15 kGy radiation. All of the HA/CS/PAAc hydrogels exhibited relatively high water contents of over 90% and reached an equilibrium swelling state within 24 h. The enzymatic degradation kinetics of the HA/CS/PAAc hydrogels depended on both the concentration of the hyaluronidase solution and the ratio of HA/CS/PAAc. The in vitro drug release profiles of the HA/CS/PAAc hydrogels were significantly influenced by the interaction between the ionic groups in the hydrogels and the ionic drug molecules as well as the swelling of the hydrogels. From the cytotoxicity results of human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells cultured with extracts of the HA/CS/PAAc hydrogels, all of the HA/CS/PAAc hydrogel samples tested showed relatively high cell viabilities of more than 82%, and did not induce any significant adverse effects on cell viability.

This study explored a novel strategy to restore the vocal gap by using cross-linkedβ-glucan hydrogel byγ-irradiation. An aqueous solution of 5 wt%β-glucan was prepared and cross-linked using60Coγirradiation. Ten nude mice were injected with 0.8 mL of irradiatedβ-glucan on the left back and the same volume of nonirradiatedβ-glucan on the right back for comparison. The mice were sacrificed at 1 and 2 weeks after injection and histological evaluations were performed. Irradiatedβ-glucan demonstrated a significantly larger volume than nonirradiatedβ-glucan in the back of nude mice with less inflammatory reaction. After unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve section in New Zealand White rabbits, irradiated and nonirradiatedβ-glucan were injected into paralyzed vocal folds. Irradiatedβ-glucan remained at the paralyzed vocal fold without definite inflammatory signs on endoscopy. High-speed recordings of vocal fold vibration showed decreased vocal gap in irradiated group compared to nonirradiated group. Histologically, the laryngeal epithelium and lamina propria remained intact, without inflammatory cell infiltration. Our newly developed injection material, irradiatedβ-glucan, showed excellent biocompatibility and remained longer than nonirradiatedβ-glucanin vivo, suggesting irradiated hydrogels as a new therapeutic approach that may be useful for the long-term treatment of vocal fold palsy.

β-Glucan can provide excellent environment to apply to drug carrier due to its immunological and anti-inflammatory effect. Minocycline hydrochloride (MH) has excellent oral bioavailability pharmacological properties. Specifically, MH is effectively absorbed into the gingiva for periodontal disease treatment. In this study, we attempt to develop MH loaded β-glucan hydrogel for periodontal disease treatment through radiation-crosslinking technique. In addition, MH loaded β-glucan hydrogels were tested for their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity. Finally, we conducted an in vivo study to demonstrate the potential to prevent the invasion of bacteria to treat periodontal disease. The gel content and compressive strength of the β-glucan hydrogels increased as the β-glucan content and the absorbed dose (up to 7 kGy) increased. For a radiation dose of 7 kGy, the gelation and the compressive strength of a 6 wt% β-glucan hydrogel were approximately 92% and 270 kPa, respectively. As a drug, MH was consistently released from β-glucan hydrogels, reaching 80% at approximately 90 min. Furthermore, the MH loaded β-glucan hydrogels showed no cytotoxicity. The MH loaded β-glucan hydrogels exhibited good antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis. In addition, MH loaded β-glucan hydrogel demonstrated the potential of a good capability to prevent the invasion of bacteria and to treat wounds.

Gamma-ray irradiation of novel hydrogels was used to develop a biocompatible hydrogel system for skin tissue engineering. These novel hydrogels are composed of natural polymers including hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), and the synthetic polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The γ-ray irradiation method has advantages, such as relatively simple manipulation without need of any extra reagents for polymerization and cross-linking. We synthesized HA and CS derivatives with polymerizable residues. The HA/CS/PVA hydrogels with various compositions were prepared by using γ-ray irradiation technique and their physicochemical properties were investigated to evaluate the feasibility of their use as artificial skin substitutes. HA/CS/PVA hydrogels showed an 85-88% degree of gelation under 15 kGy radiation. All HA/CS/PVA hydrogels exhibited more than 90% water content and reached an equilibrium swelling state within 24h. Hydrogels with higher concentrations of hyaluronidase solution and HA/CS content had proportionally higher enzymatic degradation rates. The drug release behaviors from HA/CS/PVA hydrogels were influenced by the composition of the hydrogel and drug properties. Exposure of human keratinocyte (HaCaT) culture to the extracts of HA/CS/PVA hydrogels did not significantly affect the cell viability. All HaCaT cell cultures exposed to the extracts of HA/CS/PVA hydrogels exhibited greater than 92% cell viability. The HaCaT growth in HA/CS/PVA hydrogels gradually increased as a function of culture time. After 7 days, the HaCaT cells in all HA/CA/PVA hydrogels exhibited more than 80% viability compared to the control group HaCaT culture on a culture plate.

In this study, the characterization of zinc chloride incorporated into a poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) hydrogel prepared by gamma-ray irradiation was investigated. Zinc chloride powder with different concentrations was dissolved in the PAAc solution, and it was crosslinked with gamma-ray irradiation. The effects of various parameters such as zinc ion concentration and irradiation doses on characteristics of the hydrogel formed were investigated in detail for obtaining an antibacterial wound dressing. In addition, the gel content, pH-sensitive (pH 4 or 7) swelling ratio, and UV–vis absorption spectra of the zinc particles in the hydrogels were characterized. Moreover, antibacterial properties of these new materials against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains were observed on solid growth media. The antibacterial tests indicated that the zinc chloride containing PAAc hydrogels have good antibacterial activity.

In this study, a triamcinolone acetonide-loaded hydrogel was prepared by electron beam irradiation and evaluated for use as a buccal mucoadhesive drug delivery system. A poloxamer was modified to have vinyl end groups for preparation of the hydrogel via an irradiation cross-linking reaction. Carbopol was introduced to improve the mucoadhesive properties of the hydrogel. The in vitro release of triamcinolone acetonide from the hydrogel was examined at 37 °C. To investigate the topical therapeutic effect of triamcinolone acetonide on wounded rat skin and buccal mucosa, the appearance and histological changes were evaluated for 15 days after treatment with saline, triamcinolone acetonide solution, triamcinolone acetonide hydrogel, and blank hydrogel, respectively. Triamcinolone acetonide was released constantly from the gel formulation at 37 °C and reach 100% at about 48 h. After 15 days, in the skin of the group treated with the triamcinolone acetonide-loaded hydrogel, the wound was almost completely free of crust and a number of skin appendages, including hair follicles, had formed at the margins of the tissue. Moreover, the inflammatory response in the buccal mucosa was milder than that in the other groups, and the wound surface was completely covered with regenerating, hyperkeratotic, thickened epithelial cells. Our results indicate that the triamcinolone-acetonide hydrogel showed sustained drug release behavior, while causing no significant histopathological changes in buccal and skin tissues. Therefore, this hydrogel system may be a powerful means of drug delivery for buccal administration with controlled release and no tissue irritation.

Oxygen generating (OG) hydrogels immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOx, EC 1.1.3.4) and peroxidase (PO) (EC 1.11.1.7) were prepared using a γ-ray irradiation polymerization technique, and the properties were examined. In physiological tests of the OG hydrogels ranging from 15 to 70 kGy, GOx or PO showed higher gel contents at 87% for the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel and 90% for the poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogel. The optimal irradiation conditions affecting the entrapment ratio for preparing the OG hydrogel was 35 kGy for the PVP hydrogel, and both enzymes (GOx, 95% and PO, 89%). Optimal GOx and PO activity of the prepared OG hydrogel occurred at pH 6.0 and 35 °C, and both enzymes showed stable activity under acidic conditions. The optimal glucose condition was 4 mg, which resulted in a maximum oxygen generating yield by the OG hydrogels. When oxygen concentration was compared, the OG hydrogels showed higher oxygen pressure than that of control hydrogels without the GOx and PO enzymes. Moreover, the OG hydrogel continuously converted potassium iodide to iodine in a glucose dosage and time dependant manner for 15 h, producing approximately 0.1 M iodine in 5 h.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is an interesting material with good biocompatibility, high elasticity and hydrophilic characteristics. PVA hydrogels have been formed through chemical crosslinking with aldehyde, photopolymerization and physical crosslinking with freeze-thawing. In this study, crosslinked hydrogels based on PVA, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared by gamma-ray irradiation, and then annealed at 120 °C. The properties of a hydrogel such as gel fraction, swelling behavior, gel strength as a function of PEG content and annealing time were investigated. Also, the thermal behaviors were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The gel fraction decreases with an increase in PEG content and decrease in annealing time. The tensile strength increases with an increase in annealing time. The thermal behaviors have shown different patterns according to the annealing time. The improved properties suggest that PVA/PEG blend hydrogel can be a good candidate for applications in the articular cartilage.

In this study, poloxamer hydrogels were prepared by electron beam irradiation and evaluated for potential application as a buccal mucoadhesive drug delivery system. Poloxamer, one of typical thermoresponsive polymers, was modified to have vinyl end groups for crosslinking reaction, and its hydrogels were fabricated by irradiation crosslinking reaction. Carbopol as a mucoadhesive polymeric additive was introduced to improve the mucoadhesive property of the hydrogels and its effect on the mucoadhesion and drug release properties was investigated. The results showed that the end group modification of poloxamer and the addition of carbopol improved mucoadhesive force and mechanical properties and led to a sustained drug release behavior.

To improve physical properties and modulate the mucoadhesive hydrogel formulation via cross-linking by radiation, hydrogels were prepared using thermoreversible polymer Pluronic F127 (PF127) and mucoadhesive polymer carbopol 934P (C934P). As a model drug, naproxen was loaded in the hydrogel formulation. Sol-gel transition temperatures of hydrogels were measured by the tube-inversion method. The mucoadhesive potential of each formulation was determined by measuring the force required to detach the formulation from oral mucosal tissue. To strengthen the mechanical properties, the formulations were irradiated using an electronic beam. Drug release from the hydrogels and the cytotoxicity of each formulation were investigated. Sol-gel transition temperatures of the formulations were decreased by the addition of carbopol and were close to body temperature. The mucoadhesive force of the PF127 formulation was increased by addition of carbopol. In vitro release was sustained and the release rate was reduced by the addition of carbopol. After irradiation, the mucoadhesive force was increased about five-fold especially in the case of PF127 23% (9.7 kPa) and in vitro release was not sustained further. In conclusion, the use of a PF127 formulation incorporating a mucoadhesive polymer could effectively and safely improve oral residence time and absorption of naproxen. Irradiated formulations showed permanent cross-linking and improved properties.

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been prepared by using aqueous solution in the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels. PVA powders were dissolved in deionized water, and then irradiated by gamma-ray with a radiation dose of 50 kGy to make hydrogels. PVA hydrogels were dipped into 0.01 and 0.05 M solution for 1 h respectively. After that, the swollen hydrogels were irradiated by gamma-ray at various doses to form AgNPs. UV-vis analysis indicated that the concentration of Ag NPs was enhanced by increasing absorbed dose and the concentration of . FE-SEM measurements provided further evidence for the successful formation of Ag NPs in PVA hydrogels. Also, the antibacterial effect of PVA hydrogels stabilized AgNPs against Gram-negative bacteria (S.aureus and E.coli) in liquid as well as on solid growth media has been investigated. The AgNPs consolidated in PVA hydrogel networks have an excellent antibacterial effect.

Biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), gelatin and hyaluronic acid (HA were prepared using a gamma irradiation polymerization technique, and their characteristics were examined. The degree of gelation for these systems was between 55–85% and increased with increasing gelatin or PVP content increased. The gel fraction of the HA/gelatin hydrogel was 30% larger than that of the HA/PVP hydrogel when exposed to a 30–50 kGy radiation dose. The increase in cross-linking density by gamma irradiation was confirmed by TGA. Swelling studies of the hydrogels prepared under various conditions were carried out in aqueous solutions ranging in pH from 2–8 to determine the pH sensitivity. The hydrogels based on HA had the highest swollen water content with a ratio of 1:10 (HA:gelatin and 1:5 (HA:PVP and a 30 kGy radiation dose. HA/gelatin gels showed a large swelling ratio at pH 2 and above pH 5, but the swelling ratio at pH 4 was relatively small. The difference in the swelling degree in various pH media was due to the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex containing oppositely charged polymers. Open image in new window

전신 진균감염 치료에 널리 사용되는 광범위 항진균제이며 대표적인 소수성 약물인 amphotericin B(AmB)의 효과적인 점막부착형 약물전달체로서 가용화제인 L-arginine, 점착성 고분자인 카보폴(carbopol), 온도감응성 고분자인 Poloxamer 407 (P 407)로 구성된 하이드로젤 제형을 제조하였다. L-Arginine의 첨가로 AmB의 용해도가 2.6mg/mL까지 향상되었으며, P 407 수용액은 20% w/v 이상의 농도에서 온도 변화에 따른 졸-젤-졸 상전이(phase transition)를 보였다. 이러한 상전이 온도는 약물 및 L-arginine의 존재에 의해 영향을 받았고, 점착성 고분자인 카보폴의 혼합에 의해 상전이 영역이 확장되었다. L-Arginine의 가용화 효과로 AmB의 약물방출특성이 향상되었고, 점착성 고분자인 카보폴의 첨가는 농도에 의존하여 약물방출을 지연시키는 효과가 있었다.

Biocompatible and pH-responsive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-acrylic acid (AAc) hydrogels were prepared by new technique using γ-irradiation for controlled oral drug delivery. The gel fraction was over 80% and the equal amounts of PEG and AAc blended hydrogel had efficient insulin loading using equilibrium swelling. These hydrogels exhibited unique pH-responsive characteristics in which interpolymer complexes were formed in acidic media and dissociated in neutral or basic environments. The insulin release from the gel was significantly retarded in acidic media while rapid release occurred under neutral/basic conditions. At the high pH solution, the gels swelled rapidly and over 70% of the insulin loaded was released over a period of 10 h. Within 2 h of administration of the insulin-containing gels, significant blood glucose reduction effects were observed in diabetic rats. The blood glucose reduction lasted for up to 10 h following administration.

To evaluate the effect of humectants such as glycerol, poly(vinyl alcohol)/glycerol (P/G) hydrogels were prepared by using γ-ray irradiation followed by freeze thawing (FT). The gel fraction ratio (G) and equilibrium swelling ratio (S) of the P/G hydrogels were investigated as functions of glycerol content and FT cycles. Interestingly, G increases while S decreases with increase in glycerol content. This result indicates that even if the glycerol is useful to improve the smoothness and moisture of the hydrogels, further consideration of conditioning the use of glycerol to improve the absorption of exudates from wounds for an advanced wound healing is needed.

Hydrogels for wound dressings from a mixture of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), glycerin and an antibacterial agent were obtained by a γ-irradiation combined with freeze-thawing. The physical properties such as the gelation and swelling degree of the hydrogels were examined. When the PVP/PVA ratio was 6: 4 (wt%) and prepared by combined irradiation and freeze-thawing, it showed an excellent swelling capacity (>1,200%). The antibacterial effect of the hydrogels containing the antibacterial agents was observed to be effective as the concentration of antibacterial agents increased. The results demonstrated that hydrogel in a proper blending ratio could be used as a wound dressing that can accelerate wound healing with an antibacterial effect.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a familial and chronic inflammatory pruritic skin disease that affects a large number of children and adults in industrialized countries. It is known that one of the prominent features of AD and chronic pruritus is partially due to the histamine released from mast cell. In this work, hydrogel patches with natural herbal extracts were prepared by “freezing and thawing”, and a gamma irradiation. It showed eminent healing results as a consequence of long-term moisturizing effects and natural herbal extracts on atopic wounds. Besides its non-toxicity and human harmlessness, it can be easily attached to or detached from the skin without any trace and help patients to feel refreshment when attached. Based on this work, the hydrogel patches we made can be potentially used as an alternative remedy for not only pruritus in AD, but other dermatitis.

Semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) and fully interpenetrating polymer network (full-IPN) hydrogels composed of alginate and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were prepared with γ-ray irradiation. The semi-IPN hydrogels were prepared through the irradiation of a mixed solution composed of alginate and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer to simultaneously achieve the polymerization and self-crosslinking of NIPAAm. The full-IPN hydrogels were formed through the immersion of the semi-IPN film in a calcium-ion solution. The results for the swelling and deswelling behaviors showed that the swelling ratio of semi-IPN hydrogels was higher than that of full-IPN hydrogels. A semi-IPN hydrogel containing more alginate exhibited relatively rapid swelling and deswelling rates, whereas a full-IPN hydrogel showed an adverse tendency. All the hydrogels with NIPAAm exhibited a change in the swelling ratio around 30–40°C, and full-IPN hydrogels showed more sensitive and reversible behavior than semi-IPN hydrogels under a stepwise stimulus. In addition, the swelling ratio of the hydrogels continuously increased with the pH values, and the swelling processes were proven to be repeatable with pH changes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4439–4446, 2006

pH-sensitive hydrogels were studied as a drug carrier for the protection of insulin from the acidic environment of the stomach before releasing it in the small intestine. In this study, hydrogels based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) networks grafted with methacrylic acid (MAA) or acrylic acid (AAc) were prepared via a two-step process. PEO hydrogels were prepared by γ-ray irradiation (radiation dose: 50 kGy, dose rate: 7.66 kGy/h), grafted by either MAA or AAc monomers onto the PEO hydrogels and finally underwent irradiation (radiation dose: 5–20 kGy, dose rate: 2.15 kGy/h). These grafted hydrogels showed a pH-sensitive swelling behavior. The grafted hydrogels were used as a carrier for the drug delivery systems for the controlled release of insulin. Drug-loaded hydrogels were placed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) for 2 hr and then in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 6.8). Thein vitro drug release behaviors of these hydrogels were examined by quantification analysis with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

Biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogels based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared as physical barriers for preventing surgical adhesions. These interpolymeric hydrogels were synthesized by a γ-irradiation crosslinking technique. Sections (1.5 cm × 1.5 cm) of the cecal serosa and an adjacent abdominal wall were abraded with a bone burr until the serosal surface was disrupted and hemorrhagic but not perforated, and the serosa of the cecum was sutured to the abdominal wall 5 mm away from the injured site. The denuded cecum was covered with either CMC/PEG hydrogels or a solution from a CMC/PEG hydrogel. A control rat serosa was not covered. Two weeks later, the rats were killed, and the adhesions were scored on a 0–5 scale. No treatment showed a significantly higher incidence of adhesions than the CMC/PEG hydrogels or solutions from the CMC/PEG hydrogels. This study demonstrated that CMC/PEG hydrogels could prevent intra-abdominal adhesion in a rat model. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1138–1145, 2005

pH-sensitive hydrogels were studied as a drug carrier for the protection of insulin from the acidic environment of the stomach before releasing it in the small intestine. In this study, hydrogels based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) networks grafted with acrylic acid (AAc) were prepared via a two-step process. PEO hydrogels were prepared by γ -ray irradiation, and then grafting by AAc monomer onto the PEO hydrogels with the subsequent irradiation (radiation dose: 5–20 kGy, dose rate: 2.15 kGy/h). These grafted hydrogels showed a pH-sensitive swelling behavior. The grafted hydrogels were used as a carrier for the drug delivery systems for the controlled release of insulin. The in vitro drug release behaviors of these hydrogels were examined by quantification analysis with a UV/VIS spectrophotometer. Insulin was loaded into freeze-dried hydrogels (7 mm×3 mm×2.5 mm) and administrated orally to healthy and diabetic Wistar rats. The oral administration of insulin-loaded hydrogels to Wistar rats decreased the blood glucose levels obviously for at least 4 h due to the absorption of insulin in the gastrointestinal tract.

To graftN-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) onto alginate, varying dosages of γ-rays were irradiated onto alginate films in deionized water and methanol media, which are non-solvents of alginate. We investigated the hydrogels graft ratio, mechanical strength, swelling kinetics and ratio, and behavior with respect to drug release. The graft yield of NIPAAm increased upon increasing the irradiation dose. The use of the aqueous solution increased the graft yield relative to that obtained in methanol. The mechanical strength of the grafted hydrogels increased after grafting with NIPAAm. In a study of the swelling kinetics, we found that all hydrogels reached an equilibrium swollen state within 3 h. The equilibrium swelling ratio of the hydrogels decreased upon increasing the irradiation dose. The swelling ratio of the hydrogels decreased dramatically between 30 and 35°C because phase separation of NIPAAm occurred at 32 °C. The swelling process, with respect to the temperature change, was repeatable. An NIPAAm-grafted alginate containing a drug sustained its release rate until 3 h after an initial high drug release caused by a burst effect.

A series of pH-responsive hydrogels were studied as potential drug carriers for the protection of insulin from the acidic environment of the stomach before releasing in the small intestine. Hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) networks grafted with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid were prepared by a two-step process. Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels were prepared by gamma ray irradiation (50 kGy) and then followed by grafting either acrylic acid or methacrylic acid onto these poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels with subsequent irradiation (5–20 kGy). These graft hydrogels showed pH-sensitive swelling behavior and were used as carriers for the controlled release of insulin. The in vitro release of insulin was observed for the insulin-loaded hydrogels in a simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) but not in a simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). The release behavior of insulin in vivo in a rat model confirmed the effectiveness of the oral delivery of insulin to control the level of glucose. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 636–643, 2004

A mucoadhesive drug delivery system can improve the effectiveness of a drug by maintaining the drug concentration and allowing targeting and localization of the drug at a specific site. Acrylic-based hydrogels have been used extensively as a mucoadhesive system owing to their flexibility and excellent bioadhesion. In this experiment, poly(acrylic acid) was selected to prepare the bioadhesive hydrogel adhering to mucosal surfaces using a radiation process. Poly(acrylic acid) was dissolved in water to a prepare poly(acrylic acid) solution, and the solution was then irradiated by an electron beam at up to 75 kGy to make hydrogels. Their physical properties, such as gel percent, swelling percent and adhesive strength to mucosal surfaces, were investigated. Triamcinolone acetonide was used as a model drug. The dried poly(acrylic acid) film was dipped in a 0.1 wt% triamcinolone acetonide solution in ethanol, and then dried at 25 degrees C. The release of triamcinolone acetonide was determined at different time intervals, and UV (Ultraviolet)-Vis spectroscopy was used to determine the released concentration of triamcinolone acetonide at 238 nm. It was shown that poly(acrylic acid)-based drug carriers were successfully prepared for use in a bioadhesive drug delivery system.

The aim of this study was to investigate the enhanced absorption property of PVA/Glycerin (PVA/Gly) hydrogel for advanced wound dressing. A simple crosslinking method was introduced to prepare the PVA/Gly hydrogels with the use of γ-irradiation. An absorption ratio and thermal properties of the PVA/Gly hydrogels can be controlled by varying the irradiation dose and weight ratio of the PVA/Gly. When the PVA/Gly content was 20/5 wt% and the irradiation dose at 25 kGy, the PVA/Gly hydrogels showed excellent absorption properties (>350%). These results imply that the PVA/Gly hydrogel is highly absorbent and converts wound exudates to the hydrogel matrices that create a moist and clean environment in the wound healing process. Therefore, the PVA/Gly hydrogel prepared by this method can be used as an advanced wound dressing.

Natural vessel has three types of concentric cell layers that perform their specific functions. Here, the fabrication of vascular structure is reported by transfer printing of three different cell layers using thermosensitive hydrogels. Tetronic-tyramine and RGD peptide are co-crosslinked to prepare cell adhesive and thermosensitive hydrogels. The hydrogel increases its diameter by 1.26 times when the temperature reduces from 37 °C to 4 °C. At optimized seeding density, three types of cells form monolayers on the hydrogel, which is then transferred to the target surface within 3 min. Three monolayers are simultaneously transferred on one substrate with controlled shape and arrangement. The same approach is applied onto nanofiber scaffolds that are cultured for more than 5 d. Every type of monolayer shows proliferation and migration on nanofiber scaffolds, and the formation of robust cell-cell contact is revealed by CD31 staining in endothelial cell layer. A vascular structure with multicellular components is fabricated by transfer of three monolayers on nanofibers that are manually rolled with the diameter and length of the tube being approximately 3 mm and 12 mm, respectively. Collectively, it is concluded that the tissue transfer printing is a useful tool for constructing a vascular structure and mimicking natural structure of different types of tissues.

In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogels were traditionally prepared by gamma-ray with an absorbed dose of 50 kGy from a 60Co source. The CMC hydrogels were absorbed and swelled in silver nitrate aqueous solution (0.01 M) by dipping for 1 hour, and then irradiated by gamma-ray at various doses to form silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The UV-Vis analysis indicated that the concentration of Ag NPs was enhanced by increasing of absorbed dose from 1 to 5 kGy in this situ reducing system. The FE-SEM and XPS measurements provided further evidence for the successful formation of Ag NPs. These CMC hydrogels stabilized Ag NPs also have been investigated for inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains in liquid as well as on solid growth media. The antibacterial tests indicated that the hydrogels containing Ag NPs have antibacterial activity.

To evaluate the efficiency of carboxymethylchitosan (CM-chitosan)-based hydrogels as barriers for reducing postsurgical adhesions, CM-chitosan was synthesized to simplify the hydrogel-making process, and the CM-chitosan solutions were cross-linked by using γ-ray irradiation to create the desired hydrogels instead of using chemical cross-linking reagents. The prepared CM-chitosan hydrogels were characterized by a FTIR spectroscopy, swelling behavior, gel-fraction content,and mechanical property such as gel strength of a hydrogel and the results showed a good swelling behavior and mechanical properties. Also, the radiation-induced CM-chitosan hydrogels significantly reduced and inhibited the postsurgical adhesions in the rat models. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010