title: Poly(ethylene glycol)-containing hydrogels in drug delivery.
abstract: The use of hydrogels as carriers for protein delivery has been a subject of significant recent research. In our recent work, we have shown that diffusion controlled delivery of proteins from hydrogels containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) can be possible and controlled by the three-dimensional structure. In addition, a number of these hydrogel carriers are mucoadhesive and can be used for protein delivery. PEG star polymer gels have also been prepared by gamma-irradiation and have been used for protein delivery with and without molecular imprinting. The presence of a large number of functional groups in a small volume makes these polymers important for use in biological and pharmaceutical applications. PEG star polymer hydrogels were synthesized using gamma-irradiation and were characterized using swelling techniques. Equilibrium swelling studies were conducted to investigate the effects of molecular weight, number of star arms, concentration, and radiation dose.
authors.affiliation: Biomaterials and Drug Delivery Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1283, USA.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Peppas
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Keys
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torres-Lugo
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lowman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005720:Gamma Rays; D020100:Hydrogels; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D020100:Hydrogels; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols