Stimuli Responsive Scaffolds Based on Carboxymethyl Starch and Poly(2-Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate) for Anti-Inflammatory Drug Delivery.

The purpose of the study is to obtain multicomponent polyelectrolyte hydrogels with optimal synergistic properties by combining a modified starch with a synthetic one. Thus, new low-cost and biocompatible semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels of carboxymethyl starch and poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) are prepared and investigated. The synthesized hydrogels are studied with respect to the specific characteristics of the gels: swelling kinetics, thermal analysis, viscoelastic characteristics, and their ability to be used as a matrix in drug delivery systems. Therefore, the semi-IPN gels are loaded with ibuprofen, followed by additional tests to assess the in vitro drug release. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogels with respect to their composition is evaluated in vitro on fibroblast cell culture. The investigations confirm the obtainment of new semi-IPN hydrogels with pH and temperature responsiveness, good mechanical strength, and potential for use as drug delivery systems or transdermal patches.