Novel gelatin-polyoxometalate based self-assembled pH responsive hydrogels: formulation and in vitro characterization

The purpose of the study was to develop physically cross-linked novel pH-responsive gelatin – Wells–Dawson-type polyoxometalate (POM)-based self-assembled hydrogels using acrylic acid as a pH-responsive monomer. Cross-linking was achieved through electrostatic interactions between the cationic polymer and anionic Wells–Dawson POM [P₂W₁₅O₅₆]^12?. Ammonium persulfate and sodium hydrogen sulfite were used as initiators. The hydrogels were yellowish in color and exhibited low mechanical strength. Swelling, drug release, and pH sensitivity studies were conducted at pH 1.2 and 7.4. pH-dependent swelling and release of [P₂W₁₅O₅₆]^12? from the prepared hydrogels were observed, with a maximum at pH 7.4. The hydrogels were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for evaluation of the surface morphology, hydrogel confirmation, and thermal properties. The results obtained confirmed the development of a gelatin–POM-based self-assembled hydrogel. It can be concluded that as a result of successful physical cross linking, the prepared hydrogels possess desired characteristics of a drug delivery system and can hence be used for a controlled delivery of the encapsulated polyanions. .     

Gamma radiation synthesis and swelling properties of hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol)/methacrylic acid (MAc) mixtures

In this work, gamma radiation was used to prepare hydrophilic hydrogels based on different mass ratios of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and methacrylic acid (MAc) monomer. The thermal stability of hydrogels was characterized thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of temperature and pH, as external environments, on the equilibrium swelling of PEG/MAc hydrogels was also studied. The results showed that the gel fraction of PEG/MAc hydrogels is lower than that of PMAc hydrogel, in which the gel fraction of PMAc hydrogel was decreased greatly with increasing the mass ratio of PEG polymer in the initial solutions. The results showed that PEG/MAc hydrogels reached the equilibrium swelling state in water after 6 hours. It was found that the equilibrium swelling of PEG/MAc hydrogels displayed a transition change within the temperature range 30–40°C. This change in equilibrium swelling was illustrated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). However, it was observed that the equilibrium swelling of PEG/MAc hydrogels increases progressively with increasing the pH value from 4 up to 8. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Preparation and characterization of pH sensitive crosslinked Linseed polysaccharides-co-acrylic acid/methacrylic acid hydrogels for controlled delivery of ketoprofen

Some pH responsive polymeric matrix of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum), L. hydrogel (LSH) was prepared by free radical polymerization using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator, N,N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker, acrylic acid (AA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) as monomers; while ketoprofen was used as a model drug. Different formulations of LSH-co-AA and LSH-co-MAA were formulated by varying the concentration of crosslinker and monomers. Structures obtained were thoroughly characterized using Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, XRD analysis and Scanning electron microscopy. Sol-gel fractions, porosity of the materials and ketoprofen loading capacity were also measured. Swelling and in vitro drug release studies were conducted at simulated gastric fluids, i.e., pH 1.2 and 7.4. FTIR evaluation confirmed successful grafting of AA and MAA to LSH backbone. XRD studies showed retention of crystalline structure of ketoprofen in LSH-co-AA and its amorphous dispersion in LSH-co-MAA. Gel content was increased by increasing MBA and monomer content; whereas porosity of hydrogel was increased by increasing monomer concentration and decreased by increasing MBA content. Swelling of copolymer hydrogels was high at pH 7.4 and low at pH 1.2. Ketoprofen release showed an increasing trend by increasing monomer content; however it was decreased with increasing MBA content. Sustained release of ketoprofen was noted from copolymers and release followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model.     

Investigation of swelling and controlled-release behaviors of hydrophobically modified poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogels

Using hydrophobic acrylic acid-2-ethylhexyl ester (AAEHE) as a comonomer of methacrylic acid (MAA), a series of hydrophobically modified (HM) poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) (HMPMAA) hydrogels were prepared by UV solution copolymerization and studied as controlled-release matrices. The result indicates that swelling degree of the HMPMAA hydrogels can sensitively respond to change in pH. However, the presence of hydrophobic AAEHE segments influences swelling kinetics of PMAA hydrogel evidently. Using p-hydroxyanisole (PHAS) as a model molecule, controlled-release behaviors of the HMPMAA hydrogels were investigated. It is found that the presence of hydrophobic AAEHE segments can markedly slow down the release rate of PHAS from PMAA-based hydrogels regardless of pH 1.4 or 7.4.     

Preparation of silk fibroin–poly(ethylene glycol) conjugate films through click chemistry

Azide silk fibroin (azido SF) and alkyne terminal poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 2000 (acetylene‐terminal PEG 2000) were synthesized. Azido SF was reacted with acetylene‐terminal PEG 2000 to produce films via a copper‐mediated 1,3‐cycloaddition (‘click’ chemistry) generating a triazole linkage as the networking forming reaction. Through click chemistry, novel silk‐based films with various weight ratios were prepared and investigated. Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed that the ordered association of the PEG molecules is strongly constrained by the presence of the SF molecules and crosslinking and that the presence of acetylene‐terminal PEG 2000 in the films induced crystallization to a β‐sheet of SF chains. Water content and contact angle measurements indicated that the hydrophilicity of the films increased compared with SF. SF–PEG films exhibited smooth and rough structures, depending on degree of crosslinking and on the weight ratio of SF and PEG, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of fluorescence poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) via click chemistry using azide-terminated xanthate mediator (S)-2-(4-azidobutyl propionate)-(O-ethyl xanthate)

Azide-terminated xanthate RAFT agent (S)-2-(4-azidobutyl propionate)-(O-ethyl xanthate) has been synthesized and used for the controlled radical polymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP). Kinetics study showed the pesudo first-order kinetics along with gradual increase in molecular weight (M_n) of the resulted polymer up to 69% conversion. Chain-end analysis of the resulted polymer by ¹H NMR showed the presence of the fragments of xanthate mediator at both chain ends. Successful chain extension has also been performed via the click reaction of alkyne-terminated PNVP with azide-terminated PNVP. Moreover, fluorescence pyrene-tagged PNVP has successfully been made via the click reaction of alkyne-functionalized pyrene with azide-terminated PNVP.     

Preparation of cardanol based epoxy plasticizer by click chemistry and its action on poly(vinyl chloride)

In recent years, the using of reproducible resource and economical and efficient synthesis method has got wide concern. Herein, an environmental‐friendly plasticizer originated from cardanol was synthesized by click chemistry. First, the cardanol sulfide (CS) was obtained by click chemistry reaction between the double bond of the side chain of cardanol and mercaptoethanol. The degree of the click reaction was estimated to reach 84.7% by testing the content of sulfur. Then, the epoxidation of the hydroxyl was performed to get cardanol based epoxy plasticizer (CEP) in the presence of epichlorohydrin. The epoxy value was 0.32. The structure of CS and CEP was confirmed by FT‐IR and NMR techniques. A Haake torque rheometer was used to research the action of CEP on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Results showed that it possessed favorable plasticization effect and stabilization effect on PVC. CEP had good heat stabilization in PVC, and could decrease the T_g of PVC significantly. Moreover, CEP could increase the tensile strength of PVC when in a small amount, and could increase the plasticity of PVC when in a larger quantity significantly. The characteristics of volatile, migration and solvent extraction of PVC plasticized by CEP is similar to by dioctyl phthalate (DOP). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44890.     

Effect of drug loading on the properties of temperature‐responsive polyester–poly(ethylene glycol)–polyester hydrogels

Hydrogels that can undergo gelation upon injection in vivo are promising systems for the site‐specific delivery of drugs. In particular, some thermo‐responsive gels require no chemical additives but simply gel in response to a change from a lower temperature to physiological temperature (37 °C). The gelation mechanism does not involve covalent bonds, and it is possible that incorporation of drugs into the hydrogel could disrupt gelation. We investigated the incorporation of drugs into thermo‐responsive hydrogels based on poly(?‐caprolactone‐co‐lactide)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(?‐caprolactone‐co‐lactide) (PCLA–PEG–PCLA). Significant differences in properties and in the response to incorporation of the anti‐inflammatory drug celecoxib (CXB) were observed as the PEG block length was varied from 1500 to 3000 g mol^?1. Linear viscoelastic moduli of a PCLA–PEG–PCLA hydrogel containing a 2000 g mol^?1 PEG block were least affected by the incorporation of CXB and this gel also exhibited the slowest release of CXB, so the incorporation of phenylbutazone, methotrexate, ibuprofen, diclofenac and etodolac was also investigated for this hydrogel. Different drugs resulted in varying degrees of syneresis of the hydrogels, suggesting that they interact with the polymer networks in different ways. In addition, the drugs had varying effects on the viscoelastic and compressive moduli of the gels. The results showed that the effects of drug loading on the properties of thermo‐responsive hydrogels can be substantial and depend on the drug. For applications such as intra‐articular drug delivery, in which the mechanical properties of the hydrogel are important, these effects should thus be studied on a case‐by‐case basis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Temperature‐responsive properties of poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide)‐graft‐oligo(ethylene glycol) hydrogels

A series of temperature‐ and pH‐responsive hydrogels were prepared from acrylic acid (AAc), acrylamide (AAm), oligo(ethylene glycol)monoacrylate (OEGMA), and oligo(ethylene glycol)diacrylate by varying the AAc:AAm molar ratio and the OEGMA content. Phase‐transition temperatures and swelling ratios of the obtained poly(AAc‐co‐AAm)‐graft‐OEG gels were measured as a function of temperature and pH. At pH < 5, the obvious transition temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°C were obtained as the AAc : AAm molar ratio was varied. The highest transition temperature was obtained at the AAc : AAm ratios of 5 : 5 and 6 : 4, and the sharp transition curves were observed at the AAc : AAm ratios from 5 : 5 to 8 : 2. The transition temperature further increased with increasing OEGMA content. It was suggested that OEG graft chains with a large mobility played an important role for the formation of hydrogen bonding in the hydrogels. The gels prepared here showed obvious reproducibility of the phase transition in response to temperature changes, which suggests the feasibility of their practical applications. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 798–805, 2001     

pH‐responsive poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐poly(glutamic acid) polymersome as an efficient doxorubicin carrier for cancer therapy

The synthesis, characterization and potential application in the doxorubicin (Dox) delivery system of a biodegradable polypeptide‐based block copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)₂₀₀₀‐poly(?‐caprolactone)₆₀₀₀‐poly(glutamic acid)₁₀₀₀ (PEG₂₀₀₀‐PCL₆₀₀₀‐PGA₁₀₀₀), was investigated. The copolymer was synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization and characterized by ¹H NMR and Fourier transform IR. The synthesized copolymer could self‐assemble into aggregates and the critical aggregation concentration was 0.23 mg mL^?1. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that spherical polymersomes formed with a desirable size about 180 nm. Therefore Dox was encapsulated into these polymersomes, and then we investigated its applications in a drug delivery system. These Dox‐loaded polymersomes (PolyDox) were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and pH responsiveness measurements. In vitro drug release indicated that the release rate of drug from PolyDox was pH‐responsive and significantly decreased. The drug pharmacokinetic parameters were improved in comparison to the group treated with free Dox, which proved the prolonged Dox release from PolyDox. A WST‐1 assay indicated a low toxicity and good compatibility of copolymer to cells within 48 h. The results also showed that PolyDox appeared to induce a higher anti‐tumor effect. Cell uptake results indicated that PolyDox displayed higher cellular uptake in A549 cells. Endocytosis inhibition results demonstrated that the internalization of PolyDox was mostly mediated by the fluid‐phase endocytosis pathway. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA)‐g‐POSS nanocomposites by combination of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and click chemistry

New hybrid poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate)‐g‐polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane [poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA)‐g‐POSS] nanocomposites were synthesized by the combination of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and click chemistry using a grafting to protocol. Initially, the random copolymer poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA) was prepared by RAFT polymerization of HEMA and MMA. Alkynyl side groups were introduced onto the polymeric backbones by esterification reaction between 4‐pentynoic acid and the hydroxyl groups on poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA). Azide‐substituted POSS (POSS? N₃) was prepared by the reaction of chloropropyl‐heptaisobutyl‐substituted POSS with NaN₃. The click reaction of poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA)‐alkyne and POSS? N₃ using CuBr/PMDEATA as a catalyst afforded poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA)‐g‐POSS. The structure of the organic/inorganic hybrid material was investigated by Fourier transformed infrared, ¹H‐NMR, and ²⁹Si‐NMR. The elemental mapping analysis of the hybrid using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and EDX also suggest the formation of poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA)‐anchored POSS nanocomposites. The XRD spectrum of the nanocomposites gives evidence that the incorporation of POSS moiety leads to a hybrid physical structure. The morphological feature of the hybrid nanocomposites as captured by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopic analyses indicate that a thick layer of polymer brushes was immobilized on the POSS cubic nanostructures. The gel permeation chromatography analysis of poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA) and poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA)‐g‐POSS further suggests the preparation of nanocomposites by the combination of RAFT and click chemistry. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the thermal property of the poly(HEMA‐co‐MMA) copolymer was significantly improved by the inclusion of POSS in the copolymer matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Synthesis and swelling properties of pH‐sensitive hydrogels based on chitosan and poly(methacrylic acid) semi‐interpenetrating polymer network

A novel semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) hydrogel composed of chitosan and poly(methacrylic acid) was synthesized using formaldehyde as a crosslinker. The amount of crosslinker was searched and optimized. The structure of the hydogel was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The spectrum shows that a structure of polyelectrolyte complex exists in the hydrogel. The effects of pH, ionic strength, and inorganic salt on the swelling behaviors of the hydrogel were studied. The results indicate the hydrogel has excellent pH sensitivity in the range of pH 1.40 to 4.50, pH reversible response between pH 1.80 and 6.80, and ionic strength reversible response between ionic strength 0.2 and 2.0M. The results also show that the hydrogel has a bit higher swelling capacity in a mix solution of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution than in a mix solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) and HCl. These results were further confirmed through morphological change measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 1720–1726, 2005     

Swelling and hydrolytic degradation behaviour of pH‐responsive hydrogels of poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] crosslinked by biodegradable polycaprolactone chains

BACKGROUND: Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels are typically obtained from non‐biodegradable monomers. The use of biodegradable crosslinkers can overcome this limitation. In this context, the main aim of this work was to use modified polycaprolactone as a crosslinker in the preparation of pH‐responsive hydrogels based on N‐isopropylacrylamide and methacrylic acid to give poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] (P(N‐iPAAm‐co‐MAA)). RESULTS: Poly(caprolactone) dimethacrylate macromonomer was synthesized and successfully employed as crosslinker with various ratios in the synthesis of well‐known pH‐responsive hydrogels of P(N‐iPAAm‐co‐MAA). The swelling properties of these degradable hydrogels were investigated. They practically do not swell at pH = 2, but exhibit a very high swelling capacity in distilled water and in solutions of pH = 7. In addition, degradation studies at pH = 12 showed that the hydrolysis of the ester groups in the polycaprolactone chains produces, after a relatively short time, the total solubilization of the polymer chains. CONCLUSION: The hydrogels under study have certain characteristics that could make them good candidates for use as matrices in controlled drug delivery. On the one hand, they do not swell in acid pH solution (stomach conditions) but they swell extensively at neutral pH. On the other hand, they became rapidly water soluble following degradation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of glucosamine modified poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels via photopolymerization

This study presented the synthesis and characterization of glucosamine (GlcN) modified poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels. The chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy. The morphology of hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that GlcN was successfully incorporated into PEG hydrogel network. Moreover, the data of the swelling ratio showed that the ratio of GlcN‐modified PEG hydrogels was lower than that of pure poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylated (PEGDA). Biocompatibility of unreacted GlcN monomer and GlcN‐modified hydrogels was also evaluated in vitro. Compared with glucosamine hydrochloride, 2 and 5 mM N‐acroloyl‐glucosamine monomer exhibited no toxicity against bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), while with the concentration increased to 10 mM, cell viability appeared to decrease. However, when BMSCs were encapsulated in GlcN‐modified hydrogels via photopolymerization method, cells remained vigorous viability. Metabolic activity of the encapsulated cells demonstrated GlcN‐modified hydrogels was favorable for cell proliferation. Compared with free GlcN, covalent binding GlcN showed lower cytotoxicity and higher cell proliferation properties. As a result, GlcN‐modified PEGDA hydrogels could be used as safe and injectable cell carriers for in situ tissue engineering applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

具有pH及温度敏感性的互穿网络水凝胶的合成及其性能研究

用自由基聚合合成了具有两亲性的N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAm)与衣康酸(IA)共聚物水凝胶(NIPAm-co-IA),利用互穿网络(IPN)技术合成了壳聚糖(CS)异丙基丙烯酰胺与衣康酸互穿网络水凝胶IPN(CS/NIPAm-co-IA).研究表明, IPN(CS/NIPAm-co-IA)水凝胶具有良好的pH及温度敏感性,研究了其对辅酶A的控制释放,发现其对辅酶A具有良好的控制释放作用.     

Tunable temperature‐ and shear‐responsive hydrogels based on poly(alkyl glycidyl ether)s

We describe the synthesis, characterization and direct‐write 3D printing of triblock copolymer hydrogels that have a tunable response to temperature and shear stress. In aqueous solutions, these polymers utilize the temperature‐dependent self‐association of poly(alkyl glycidyl ether) ‘A’ blocks and a central poly(ethylene oxide) segment to create a physically crosslinked three‐dimensional network. The temperature response of these hydrogels was dependent upon composition, chain length and concentration of the ‘A’ block in the copolymer. Rheological experiments confirmed the existence of sol–gel transitions and the shear‐thinning behavior of the hydrogels. The temperature‐ and shear‐responsive properties enabled direct‐write 3D printing of complex objects with high fidelity. Hydrogel cytocompatibility was also confirmed by incorporating HeLa cells into select hydrogels resulting in high viabilities over 24 h. The tunable temperature response and innate shear‐thinning properties of these hydrogels, coupled with encouraging cell viability results, present an attractive opportunity for additive manufacturing and tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Transparent and semi-interpenetrating network P(vinyl alcohol)- P(Acrylic acid) hydrogels: pH responsive and electroactive application

ABSTRACT

In this paper, poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(acrylic acid) based transparent semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) hydrogels were synthesized by using a solvent mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and deionized water via free radical polymerization and subsequent freeze-thaw technique. The formation of the semi-IPN hydrogels was conformed from FT-IR spectra. The acrylic acid concentration effect on the hydrogels was investigated in terms of transparency, crystalline structure and thermal stability by using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Swelling behaviours of the semi-IPNPAP hydrogels were studied in deionized water and different pH solutions. The compression and electroactive behaviour was tested in fully hydrated stage by using compression test and by applying electrical voltage. The hydrogels showed displacements under the applying voltage and detailed experiment is illustrated.     

Temperature and pH sensitive hydrogels composed of chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol)

Summary Chitosan based semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels containing different amounts of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared. The crosslinking of the hydrogels was achieved by using a naturally occurring nontoxic cross-linking agent genipin. The swelling behaviour of these hydrogels was studied by immersing the films in deionized water at 25, 37 and 45 °C and in media of different pHs at 37 °C. Swelling was found to be dependent on temperature, pH of the medium and the amount of PEG in the gel. States of water in the hydrogels swollen in deionized water at 37 °C were determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The equilibrium water content and the amount of freezing water in the swollen hydrogels increased with the increase in PEG concentration in the gels.     

Preparation of pH‐sensitive poly(vinyl alcohol‐g‐methacrylic acid) and poly(vinyl alcohol‐g‐acrylic acid) hydrogels by gamma ray irradiation and their insulin release behavior

A series of pH‐responsive hydrogels were studied as potential drug carriers for the protection of insulin from the acidic environment of the stomach before releasing in the small intestine. Hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) networks grafted with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid were prepared by a two‐step process. Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels were prepared by gamma ray irradiation (50 kGy) and then followed by grafting either acrylic acid or methacrylic acid onto these poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels with subsequent irradiation (5–20 kGy). These graft hydrogels showed pH‐sensitive swelling behavior and were used as carriers for the controlled release of insulin. The in vitro release of insulin was observed for the insulin‐loaded hydrogels in a simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) but not in a simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). The release behavior of insulin in vivo in a rat model confirmed the effectiveness of the oral delivery of insulin to control the level of glucose. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 636–643, 2004     

Fast responsive poly(acrylic acid‐co‐N‐isopropyl acrylamide) hydrogels based on new crosslinker

Novel dual temperature‐ and pH‐sensitive poly(acrylic acid‐co‐N‐isopropylacrylamide), AA/NIPAAm, hydrogels were successfully prepared by chemical crosslinking with crosslinkers. Copolymers of AA/NIPAAm were crosslinked in the presence of different mol % of N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) and melamine triacrylamide (MAAm) as crosslinkers by bulk radical polymerization. The resultant xerogels were characterized by extracting the soluble fractions and measuring the equilibrium water content. Lower critical solution transition temperatures (LCST) were measured by DSC. The properties of crosslinked AA/NIPAAm series are evaluated in terms of compositional drift of polymerization, heterogeneous crosslinking, and chemical structure of the relevant components. Soluble fractions of the crosslinked networks were reduced by varying the MAAm and MBA concentrations. The influence of environmental conditions such as temperature and pH on the swelling behavior of these polymeric gels was investigated. The swelling behaviors of the resulting gels show pH sensitivity. The prepared MAAm type AA/NIPAAm hydrogels exhibited a more rapid deswelling rate than MBA type AA/NIPAAm hydrogels in ultra pure water in response to abrupt changes from 20°C to 50°C. The results of this study provide valuable information regarding the development of dual stimuli‐sensitive hydrogels with fast responsiveness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009