Dual stimuli-responsive chitosan grafted poly(NIPAM-co-AAc)/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels for drug delivery applications

Herein, we synthesized poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) decorated chitosan grafted poly(NIPAM-co-AAc) hydrogels through free-radical copolymerization. Increased PVA concentration revealed enhancement of temperature and pH sensitivity of the hydrogel by changing the porous structure and surface properties. Further, in vitro drug delivery studies carried out with a model dye revealed a six-fold increased release of the content at pH 7.4 with respect to pH 4.4. This new combination of three component hydrogels could be effectively used as an alternative material in the development of stimuli triggered drug delivery systems that are stable at tissues and organs with a low pH environment.