Temperature and pH sensitive hydrogels composed of chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol)

Chitosan based semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels containing different amounts of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared. The crosslinking of the hydrogels was achieved by using a naturally occurring nontoxic cross-linking agent genipin. The swelling behaviour of these hydrogels was studied by immersing the films in deionized water at 25, 37 and 45 degrees C and in media of different pHs at 37 degrees C. Swelling was found to be dependent on temperature, pH of the medium and the amount of PEG in the gel. States of water in the hydrogels swollen in deionized water at 37 degrees C were determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The equilibrium water content and the amount of freezing water in the swollen hydrogels increased with the increase in PEG concentration in the gels.