Multi-responsive carboxymethyl polysaccharide crosslinked hydrogels containing Jeffamine side-chains

The paper studies the synthesis and characterization of crosslinked carboxymethylpullulan hydrogels containing Jeffamine (Jef) (M-600 and M-2005) [polyoxyalkyleneamines (polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide)] units as side chains, linked through amide bonds. These hydrogels present pH sensitive properties due to the presence of anionic functional groups and thermoassociative properties due to the Jeff units. They were characterized through FTIR spectra, swelling behavior in various media, at various pH or temperatures, retention of hydrophobic molecules, to appreciate their pH-sensitive and thermoassociative (multi-responsive) properties. The interaction with biomolecules as proteins: lysozyme, BSA and antioxidants as: lutein and alpha-tocopherol was studied, to estimate some potential application domains of these new synthesized hydrogels.