This video is adapted from 10.3390/gels12020103
In this video, semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels based on methacrylated dextran and native inulin are presented as biodegradable carriers for the colon-specific delivery of uracil, a model antitumor compound. These hydrogels are synthesized via free-radical polymerization, using diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA) as a crosslinking agent at varying concentrations (5, 7.5, and 10 wt%). Their structural, thermal, and biological properties are systematically evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms successful crosslinking and the physical incorporation of uracil through hydrogen bonding. Concurrently, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) with increasing crosslinking density, with values of 149, 153, and 156 °C, respectively. Swelling studies demonstrate relaxation-controlled, first-order swelling kinetics under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C) and high gel fraction values (84.75, 91.34, and 94.90%, respectively), indicating stable network formation. SEM analysis reveals that the hydrogel morphology strongly depends on crosslinking density and drug incorporation, with increasing crosslinker content leading to a more compact and wrinkled structure. Uracil loading further modifies the microstructure, promoting the formation of discrete crystalline domains within the semi-IPN hydrogels, indicative of physical drug entrapment. All formulations exhibit high encapsulation efficiencies (>86%), which increase with increasing crosslinker content, consistent with the observed gel fraction values. Simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion shows negligible drug release under gastric conditions and controlled release in the intestinal phase, primarily governed by crosslinking density. Antimicrobial assessment against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, used as an initial or indirect indicator of cytotoxic potential, reveals no inhibitory activity, suggesting low biological reactivity at the screening level. Overall, this video highlights that DEGDA-crosslinked dextran/inulin semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) hydrogels represent promising carriers for colon-targeted antitumor drug delivery.