Radiation synthesis and drug delivery properties of interpenetrating networks (IPNs) based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/ methylcellulose blend hydrogels.

Gamma radiation was used to prepare blend hydrogels from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and low ratios of methylcellulose (MC). The structure-property behavior was characterized by IR spectroscopy, gel fraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and swelling at room temperature and different pH values. The PVA/MC hydrogels were used as a carrier for doxycycline hyclate (DOX-h) drug. The results showed that the gel fraction of PVA/MC hydrogels decreased greatly with increasing the ratio of MC in the initial feeding solution. The PVA/MC hydrogels displayed pH-sensitive swelling character. The drug uptake-release study indicated that PVA/MC hydrogels possessed controlled release behavior and that the release process depends on pH. In this respect, the release of DOX-h drug was significant in alkaline medium.