Hydrogels based on <i>N</i> ‐isopropylacrylamide and 2‐hydroxyethylacrylate: synthesis, characterization and investigation of their antibacterial activity

Abstract

Abstract New thermosensitive hydrogels based on N ‐isopropyl acrylamide and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate were prepared in the presence of ammonium persulfate as an initiator using a free‐radical technique. The thermal stability as well as the physical and chemical properties of the obtained hydrogel were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The swelling of the hydrogels was investigated by the cathetometer method. In order to use thermosensitive hydrogels as a carrier of antibiotics (lincomycin and gentamicin), several biological tests were performed. All samples of thermosensitive poly( N ‐isopropyl acrylamide) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate hydrogels containing medical substances exhibited antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity of temperature‐sensitive hydrogels naturally increases with increasing concentration of antibiotics in the carrier. The results obtained indicate a large amount of drug was released from the hydrogels with full retention of antimicrobial properties. These copolymers can be used as an antibacterial material in the field of medicine. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry