Radiation synthesis and characterization of polyDMAEMA hydrogel

Poly N, N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (polyDMAEMA) hydrogels were synth esized by gamma -irradiation technology, and the conditions of synthesis, s uch as total dose, dose rate: concentration of monomer and crosslinker in a queous solution. were investigated. The property measurements of the hydrog els showed that they exhibited temperature sensitivity in a temperature ran ge of 38-40 degreesC and pH sensitivity at pH = 2.5. They also had electric responsive behavior although it was not typical. The hydrogels synthesized were transparent and elastic and displayed good swelling behavior in water , therefore, they can be used as a kind of carrying material in drug delive ry systems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.