A novel information criterion to elucidate a drug delivery mechanism from poly (acrylamide-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) reinforced with hydroxyapatite composite

Abstract

Hydrophilic composites of poly (acrylamide-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) reinforced with hydroxyapatite were synthesized, characterized and evaluated as drug delivery systems. The results show a strong dependence of the polymer composition, the degree of crosslinking and the homogeneity of the particles dispersion (filler or the mixed drug) in the characteristics that were analyzed. The mechanical properties were better while the swelling and the diffusion coefficient were worse than hydrogels with cefazolin of similar compositions. Additionally, a new information criterion was used to elucidate the best fit. The drug diffusion into the medium was anomalous with a tendency towards Case II transport, indicating that under certain conditions zero-order diffusion could be achieved. This fact suggests that these materials could be used in the manufacture of medical devices for the controlled delivery of drugs and active or biological principles, significantly improving therapeutic procedures today.