Preparation and Properties of Novel pH-Sensitive Soy Protein/Poly(sodium acrylate) Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels

摘要

The novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels based on soy protein and poly(sodium acrylate) were prepared, and the structure and properties were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, DSC and TGA. The swelling and deswelling behavior were also investigated. It was found that the hydrogels had good miscibility and stability. Changing the content of soy protein or crosslinker could control the swelling behavior, water retention and the pore size and pore wall thickness of the hydrogels. The swelling ratio at pH 1.2 was the lowest and the fastest to reach equilibrium, while the swelling ratio increased significantly as the pH above 4.0. The swelling mechanism below pH 4.0 was Fickian diffusion but non-Fickian diffusion above pH 4.0. The results show that the novel IPN hydrogels may be of potential interest in drug delivery systems.