title: Dual-stimuli-responsive hydrogels based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/chitosan semi-interpenetrating networks.
abstract: The synthesis and characterisation of semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks obtained by the radical-induced polymerisation of N-isopropylacrylamide in the presence of chitosan using tetraethyleneglycoldiacrylate as the crosslinker is described. The influence of the degree of crosslinking and that of the ratio of chitosan to poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) on the "pH/temperature induced" phase transition behaviour and swelling characteristics of the hydrogel system are investigated. The ability of the same system to act as a controlled release vehicle for pilocarpine hydrochloride is evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa, 16 Universitatii St., Iasi 6600, Romania.
authors.forename: Liliana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Verestiuc
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ivanov
authors.forename: Eugen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barbu
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tsibouklis
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry*; D048271:Chitosan; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004339:Drug Compounding; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D020100:Hydrogels; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine; D002686:Chitin; C052970:poly-N-isopropylacrylamide; D048271:Chitosan