Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (C15-1225-945)

General description

Solid Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) is brittle, while pHEMA hydrogel is a soft material. Glass transition temperature for pHEMA hydrogels is reduced by increasing a content of water in the matrix. Macromolecular properties in pHEMA are characterized by non-covalent interactions of hydrogen-bonds among the polymer chains as well as the hydrated water molecules. The presence of polar groups of hydroxyl and carboxyl on each repeat unit makes this polymer compatible with water. The hydrophobic a-methyl groups of the backbone convey hydrolytic stability to the polymer and enhance mechanical strength of the polymer matrix.

Application

pHEMA scaffolds are used in tissue engineering. It can be used in hydrogels for biomedical applications, as sorbents for metal ions.pHEMA has been used in applications such as soft contact lenses, in drug delivery systems, and in kidney dialysis membranes.Nanoparticles of pHEMA may be employed as a carrier for controlled delivery of anticancer and antitumor drugs.

Physical form

Water-swellable polymer. Hydrogel.