The fabrication of stretchable dual network P(HEMA-AM)/gelatin hydrogels as potential delivery carriers

Abstract

In the present work, self-adhesive and self-healing drug loaded poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-acrylamide)/gelatin hydrogels with dual networks were synthesized by a facile one-pot method via crosslinking with dynamic hydrogen bonds and metal–ligand interactions. The prepared hydrogels displayed excellent cyclic adhesion performance on various surfaces due to the presence of Fe³⁺ ions and tannic acid (TA). Notably, due to the uniform compact pore size distribution, the prepared P(HEMA-AM)/Gel_0.9 hydrogel possessed enhanced physicochemical properties, with a tensile strength of 305 kPa and an elongation at break of 589% in tensile experiments, and a compressive strength of 1.11 MPa under 70% strain. At the same time, the self-healing efficiency of the P(HEMA-AM)/Gel_0.9 hydrogel can reach 95% after 24 h of repair. Furthermore, drug release experiments showed that the hydrogels had pH-responsive and sustained drug release properties, and the addition of gelatin in the composite hydrogel would accelerate drug release. Therefore, the P(HEMA-AM)/Gel hydrogel fabricated with a convenient and simple method possesses great potential for use in drug delivery systems.