A new approach to prepare polymeric hydrogels was developed to obtain an efficient controlled release system for dental treatments. Hydrogels were prepared by a method of condensation through amidation, using a natural (chitosan) and a synthetic polymer – poly(maleic
anhydride-alt-vinyl acetate). The influence of different reaction parameters on hydrogels properties was investigated. Infrared spectroscopy studies confirmed the crosslinking by the presence of amide bonds, formed between the two polymers chains. In addition, these hydrogels presented a good release capacity, which was influenced by the reaction parameters used in the study (molar ratio between the two polymers). The cytotoxicity of these materials was investigated on human dermal fibroblasts.
- controlled release
- hydrogels
- metronidazole.
- natural polymers