Design of hemocompatible poly(DMAEMA-co-PEGMA) hydrogels for controlled release of insulin

Abstract

This works aims at (i) studying the antiadhesive properties and the hemocompatibility of poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]-co-poly[(ethylene glycol)methacrylate] [poly(DMAEMA-co-PEGMA)] copolymers and (ii) investigating the insulin delivery kinetics through hydrogels at physiological pH. A series of poly(DMAEMA-co-PEGMA) hydrogels have been synthesized, and their controlled composition was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, antibiofouling properties of hydrogels - fibrinogen, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes adhesion - are correlated to their molecular compositions through their hydrophilic properties. As DMAEMA/PEGMA ratio of 70/30 (D70) offers the best compromise between pH sensitivity and hemocompatibility, it is selected for investigating the kinetic rate of insulin release at physiological pH, and the diffusion coefficient of insulin in gel is found to be 0.64 × 10-7 cm2 s-1. Overall, this study unveils that poly(DMAEMA-co-PEGMA) copolymers are promising hemocompatible materials for drug delivery systems.