Interpenetrated polymer network with modified chitosan in composition and self-healing properties.

Smart hydrogels endowed with self-healing performance, enhanced stability and unique environmental responsiveness were prepared by interpenetrating the crosslinked poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) between the chains of the water-soluble maleoyl-chitosan. The influence of the ratio between the modified polysaccharide and the homopolymer upon the morphological structure and water uptake behaviour of the hydrogels was put in evidence by Scanning electron microscopy and swelling measurements in simulated body fluids. In addition, the synthesised compounds exhibited responsive properties, self-healing behaviour, and great availability like drug delivery systems. The in vitro study evidenced the dependence of the released procaine on the MAC content in the hydrogels, the release mechanism being controlled mainly by Fickian diffusion. The cytotoxicity assay on fibroblast demonstrated improved viability of cells by increasing the modified polysaccharide ratio into hydrogels. The self-repair capacity along with dual pH/thermo-responsiveness and biocompatibility of the hydrogels demonstrate their viability for various bio-applications.