| Synthesis and Characterization of a pH-Responsive Dual-Function Hydrogel for Controlled Drug Delivery |
| کد مقاله : 1375-ICOC |
| نویسندگان |
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عبدالرضا ابری *1، محمد مقدسی2 1دانشگاه شهید مدنی آذربایجان- دانشکده علوم پایه-گروه شیمی 2دانشگاه شهید مدنی آذربایجان-دانشکده علوم-گروه شیمی |
| چکیده مقاله |
| In this study, Chitosan-based hydrogels have become a central focus in the development of smart materials in recent years due to their biocompatibility, chemical modifiability, and broad application potential in drug delivery. This study designed and synthesized a new-generation hydrogel in which chitosan was combined within an integrated three-dimensional network with three types of polymeric units: hydrophilic and hydrophobic units capable of forming extensive hydrogen-bonding networks, pH-responsive ionizable acidic units, and highly flexible hydrophobic chain segments. This triple combination resulted in a unique molecular architecture where ionic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic effects acted synergistically to increase cross-linking density, improve swelling controllability, and enhance structural integrity. Structural analyses and test results indicated that the hydrophilic units facilitated the formation of a network with high water absorption capacity (functioning as a superabsorbent), while the ionizable groups induced responsive behavior to environmental conditions such as pH and ionic strength. Furthermore, the hydrophobic segments enhanced mechanical strength, reduced the degradation rate, and improved network stability under physiological conditions. An evaluation of the system's drug delivery efficiency revealed that the presence of ionic and hydrophilic units significantly increased drug loading capacity and enabled controlled release. Conversely, the hydrophobic regions slowed diffusion, resulting in a stable and sustained release profile. The release pattern was fully dependent on and tunable through pH, swelling degree, and cross-linking density, ensuring the hydrogel's applicability for targeted and intelligent drug delivery.In summary, the synthesized system presents an innovative hydrogel with a dual hydrophilic/hydrophobic character and environmental responsiveness. This makes it suitable for use as an advanced platform in controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering applications, and the development of next-generation bioactive materials. |
| کلیدواژه ها |
| pH-responsive hydrogel, Chitosan, Controlled drug delivery, Sustained release |
| وضعیت: پذیرفته شده |