Novel Thermoresponsive Biodegradable Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Dual Function in Biomedical Applications

Nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared through a blend solution of poly(lactic acid) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide via free radical polymerization. Plant extractions were used for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles to study the antibacterial activity of the hydrogels. Similarly, 5-Fluorouracil drug was loaded through both in situ and ex situ methods to study thecontrolled release profiles. The nanocomposite hydrogels were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermo gravimetric analysis - Differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscope. The dissolution and the agar diffusion test were performed to evaluate the drug release and antibacterial activity, respectively. The results suggested that the fabricated nanocomposite hydrogels can be used as a promising candidate for dual functions in biomedical applications.