Synthesis, characterization, swelling and drug release behavior of semi-interpenetrating network hydrogels of sodium alginate and polyacrylamide.

Several semi interpenetrating network (SIPN) type hydrogels were synthesized by in-situ free radical crosslink copolymerization of acrylamide and crosslinker N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) in aqueous solution of sodium alginate (SA).These SIPN hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, NMR SEM, DTA-TGA, XRD, PZC and also by swelling characteristics and network parameters. Adsorption (loading) and release of acetaminophen drug were studied with these hydrogels. Solution pH, crosslinker concentration and monomer to SA weight ratio of the hydrogels were found to have a strong effect on adsorption and in vitro release profile of the drug from the gel matrix.