Stimuli-responsive molecularly imprinted hybrid polymer gel as a potential system for controlled release

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to develop a stimuli‐responsive hybrid polymer gel system with an improved mechanical stability as a controlled drug delivery carrier that can undergo phase transition by the stimulation of ethanol–water mixture. For this aim, trimethoxysilane terminated poly(propylene glycol) by coupling of 3‐isocyanatopropyl‐triethoxysilane with the hydroxyl end groups of poly(propylene glycol) through urethane bonds was synthesized. Hybrid polymer gels prepared in the presence of tryptophan (Trp), as a model of drug, were characterized and gelation time of polymer network was obtained by monitoring the fluorescence emission of Trp in pre‐gel solution. Swelling, solvent uptake and release kinetic of polymer gels were evaluated depending on time. The diffusional exponents (n) and diffusion constants (k) of each gel were calculated by using the swelling kinetic data. The effect of precursors as a monomer on Trp release profile was analyzed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42913.