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

•Blend hydrogels of PVA/MC were synthesized by gamma irradiation in aqueous solutions.•The PVA/MC hydrogels showed swelling pH-sensitivity.•The PVA/MC hydrogels were used as a carrier for doxycycline hyclate (DOX-h) drug.•The hydrogels displayed controlled release depending on composition and pH values. 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.