Porous silicone hydrogel interpenetrating polymer networks prepared using a template method for biomedical use

Porous interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of polydimethylsiloxane with hydrophilic components synthesized by radical homopolymerization and copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) were obtained using a template method. Surface modification of CaCO3 microsphere templates improved their dispersibility, leading to the realization of IPN films with an interconnected porous structure. Results showed that these porous IPN films exhibited higher swelling abilities, and thus better drug loading capabilities than the corresponding non‐porous films. In addition, IPNs comprised of DMAA exhibited higher swelling abilities and faster drug release rates than those of only HEMA. These silicone hydrogels were also tested for their cytotoxicity against L929 cells, confirming their non‐toxicity to cells and their potential use as materials for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry Porous interpenetrating polymer networks of polydimethylsiloxane with hydrophilic components were prepared using a template method.