Preparation and Characterization of IPNs for Controlled Release of 5-Fluorouracil: Evaluation of Possible Use in Wound Dressing

A series of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared in the film form using 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEG-MA) and hydroxypropyl-chitosan (HPCH) for controlled release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The prepared IPNs formulations have been characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling, and contact angle studies. In addition, the platelet adhesion, red blood cell hemolysis, and permeability to 5-FU were also studied with prepared IPNs films. The prepared p(HPMA-co-PEG–MA/HPCH)-1-6 IPNs films were loaded with different amounts of 5-FU and the drug release was studied in a continuous release system. The drug 5-FU has four amine and oxygen groups, and these functional groups interact via hydrogen bonding interaction with PEG-MA and HPCH units of the IPNs, thus, the drug was slowly released. The amount of 5-FU release from the p(HPMA-co-PEG–MA/HPCH) networks increased when the ratio of HPMA decreased or HPCH increased. The antitumor activity of 5-FU released from the prepared IPNs and remaining biological activity was measured using a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (SNU398). In vitro studies showed that the tested IPNs formulations were effective for the growth of the SNU398 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. These experimental results showed that the prepared IPN films exhibited suitable physio-chemical, biocompatibility, and desired drug release profiles, thus, they could be used in various biomedical applications such as wound dressing for skin treatment.