Improving the loading and release of NSAIDs from pHEMA hydrogels by copolymerization with functionalized monomers.

Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), pHEMA, hydrogels are widely used for preparing implants, contact lenses, and other biomedical devices, which in many circumstances should load drugs to deliver them in the adjacent tissues. To enhance the potential of pHEMA hydrogels as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) delivery systems, 4-vinyl-pyridine (VP) and N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide (APMA) were incorporated to the network (25-150 mM). The incorporated monomers did not change the viscoelastic properties neither the state of water, but remarkably increased the amount of ibuprofen (up to 10-fold) and diclofenac (up to 20-fold) loaded.