Synthesis and characterization of new methacrylate based hydrogels

Abstract

Hydrogels have been used for several applications, including production of contact lenses, sanitary products and materials for wound dressing. The aim of this work was the development of new methacrylate based hydrogels. These materials present the advantage of being easily produced with different compositions and consequently different permeability and diffusion patterns. Therefore it becomes possible to synthesize hydrogels that can be used to immobilize a variety of compounds, such as drugs, proteins or even cells. During this work new polymers based on methacrylate monomers were prepared. Their characterization was accomplished by several techniques, e.g. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), swelling measurement, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and evaluation of mechanical properties. Their subacute subcutaneous toxicity was also evaluated by using Wistar rats.