Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Based on Gelatin and Poly(Vinyl Pyrollidone): Evaluation of Degradation, Histocompatibility, Cytotoxicity, and Drug Release

Abstract

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on crosslinked gelatin [Gx] and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) [PVPx] were synthesized using gamma irradiation. Degradability of IPNs was found to be dependent on the irradiation dose and crosslinker concentration as well as on the composition of IPNs. Samples prepared at dose of 0.07 and 0.14 Mrad degraded within 15 days in comparison to samples prepared at higher doses [0.20, 0.25 Mrad, and 0.30 Mrad]. Cell viability and histocompatibility studies suggest that IPNs based on gelatin and PVPx can be used as biodegradable drug delivery devices.

Keywords:

• biocompatibility
• cytotoxicity
• degradation
• gelatin
• interpenetrating polymer networks

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Life Science Research Board, Ministry of Defense, for the funding of project DLS/81/48222/LSRB-BTB/2004.

Notes

*Represents the samples prepared using 0.5% w/w BIS as crosslinker; numeral within parentheses represents the dose used for the preparation of samples.