Drug Release from Bioerodible Hydrogels Composed of $Poly-{\varepsilon}-Caprolactone/poly(Ethylene{\;}glycol)$ Macromer Semiinterpenhetrating Polymer Networks

Poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) macrocers teminated with acrylate groups and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) composed of poly-.epsilon.-capolactone(PCL) and PEG macromer were syntheswized with the aim of obtaining a bioerodible hydrogel that could be used to release drugs for implantable delivery system. Polymerization of PEG macromer resulted in the formation of cross-linked gels due to the multifunctionality of macromer. Non-crosslinked PCL chains were interpenetrated into the cross-linked three-dimensions networks of PEG. The IPNs, largw drug loading lower concentration of PEG macromer in the IPNs concentration and the higher molecular weight of PEG macromer. Also, 5-FU was more fast released than hydrocortisone to the increased water solubility.