Synthesis and drug release profile of a dual-responsive poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel nanocomposite

This work describes the synthesis, characterization and application of a pH- and magnetic-responsive PEG hydrogel (HG) nanocomposite as a platform for drug delivery. PEG was used to produce permanent hydrogels with improved biocompatibility. A specific cross-linking/copolymerization chemistry was used to construct hydrogels with a controlled network organization so as not to affect the PEG biocompatibility. The hydrogels were prepared using vinylated PEG together with DMAAm, acrylic acid, and iron oxide nanoparticles. The water affinity, morphology, drug release profile and cytotoxicity of the resulting materials were studied in depth. The designed hydrogels were shown to be materials of biological relevance and of great pharmacological potential as drug carriers in drug delivery.