N-vinylcaprolactam-based temperature and pH-sensitive graft hydrogels for controlled drug release of 5-FU: a comprehensive study on synthesis, characterization, and release kinetics

İsmail Kutlugün AKBAY | Tonguç ÖZDEMİR

Stimuli-responsive polymers can be used for various purposes due to their amazing properties within the context of controlled release systems. In this study, the aim was to prepare hydrogels that are stimulus-responsive to temperature and pH and utilize them in drug release investigations. N-Vinyl caprolactam-based polymers were synthesized and optimized based on the swelling ratio data. Both temperature and pH sensitivity, along with their respective transition values, were determined. The best sample was selected based on 5-FU encapsulation efficiency. To enhance the swelling ratio and encapsulation values, different amounts of poly-(ethylene glycol) were added to improve water swelling ratio and 5-FU release properties. All obtained samples were characterized using water swelling ratio,...