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Polypropylene graft poly(Methyl methacrylate) graft poly(n‐vinylimidazole) as a smart material for ph‐controlled drug delivery

Abstract:

Surface modification of polypropylene (PP) films was achieved using gamma‐irradiationinduced grafting to provide an adequate surface capable of carrying glycopeptide antibiotics. The copolymer was obtained following a versatile two‐step route; pristine PP was exposed to gamma rays and grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA), and afterward, the film was grafted with N‐ vinylimidazole (NVI) by simultaneous irradiation. Characterization included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and physicochemical analysis of swelling and contact angle. The new material (PP‐g‐MMA)‐g‐NVI was loaded with vancomycin to quantify the release by UV‐vis spectrophotometry at different pH. The surface of (PP‐g‐MMA)‐g‐NVI exhibited pH‐responsiveness and moderate hydrophilicity, which are suitable properties for controlled drug release.