SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTI-RESPONSIVE NANO-SIZED HYDROGEL BASED ON N-ISOPROPYLACRYLAMIDE AND MAGNETITE

Multi-responsive nano-sized hydrogel composites based on N-isopropylacrylamide, acrylic acid, and magnetite have been synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. It was shown that the average size of the synthesized nanoparticles are approximately 100 nm, and it depends on the temperature and pH value. Synthesized hydrogel nanoparticles purified by diafiltration have a clear phase transition between swollen and collapsed state when heated above 32°C or changing pH value below 4. Methylene Blue (photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy) was used as a model drug for release stadies. The release of Methylene Blue from nanogel was significantly accelerated at temperature above phase transition. This would allow the application of designed hydrogel nanoparticles for drug delivery systems, especially in cancer treatment.