Structural Evolution and Copper‐Ion Release Behavior of Cu‐pHEMA Hybrids Synthesized In Situ

Abstract

A novel Cu‐pHEMA hybrid was successfully prepared by in situ photopolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer in the presence of Cu(II) copper ions, following an in situ chemical reduction. Experimental observations indicate that intermolecular interactions such as the coupling force and hydrogen bonding between the Cu and the hydroxyl groups further stabilize the hybrid structure to a considerable extent. Localization of the metallic copper particles within the pHEMA network structure as a result of those intermolecular interactions gives rise to the formation of discretely distributed nanocrystallites with particle sizes ranging from 5 to 25 nm in diameter. A crystallographic change of the Cu nanophase from an amorphous‐like to a crystalline structure is observed as the H2O:HEMA molar ratio increases, upon synthesis, accompanied with an increase in the particle size. A relatively slow and sustained release of the Cu (in the form of cupric ions) from the hybrids was measured for a time period of about 10 days, which also illustrates a Cu(II)‐induced proliferation of the endothelial cells over a relatively small range of release rate of the Cu from the hybrids. Such a new type of Cu‐loaded hybrid hydrogel is expected to be compatible and may be considered as a candidate biomaterial for biomedical/therapeutic uses.

Effects of antimicrobial agents on the thermal and mechanical properties of acrylate hydrogel matrices

“…So, metallic salts did not seem to interfere with the polymerization and cross‐linking between the two monomers. An intermolecular interaction between the metallic salt and the acrylate matrix such as the coupling force and hydrogen bonding between the Cu (CuSO 4 ) and the hydroxyl groups of HEMA observed by Liu et al . is not probable in our acrylate films.…”

“…Then, the density of networks is usually considered as a key factor of agent release. A denser material will have a lower diffusion capacity . Finally, the deviation to Fickian behavior of copper acetate matrices could be attributed to the nucleation of filler crystals.…”

Antimicrobial materials produced by incorporating copper acetate into ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer for its use in personal care and cosmetic packaging

“…Modeling by first Fickian law. The first Fick Law [38][39][40][41] is a common and simple model to express the release behavior of polymer materials. The kinetics of copper (II) acetate release at room temperature was analyzed by the semiempirical equation M t /M o = Kt n and for M t /M o inferior to 0.6.…”

Antimicrobial materials based on poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) and silver acetate produced by reactive extrusion

“…Release behaviors of polymer materials are generally modeled by the first Fickian Law. [94][95][96] This law was used to determine the mechanism of drug release (Fickian or non-Fickian). In particular, the kinetics of silver acetate release at room temperature were analyzed by the semiempirical equation M t /M ∞ = Kt n and for M t /M ∞ inferior to 0.6.…”