Melamine-based poly(azomethine) hydrogels: Mechanical, biodegradability, drug loading and antibacterial properties

Abstract

In the present paper, a new series of biodegradable poly(azomethine) gels were prepared to investigate the usability as biomaterials. The structures of the hydrogels were characterized by using FT-IR and SEM analyses. Contact angle measurements were also performed to investigate hydrophobicity of the hydrogels. Thermal behavior of melamine-based poly(azomethine)s and hydrogels was performed using TG-DTA and DSC techniques. Mechanical properties of poly(azomethine) hydrogels were investigated using a tensile testing method. Biodegradability, drug loading or release performance, protein absorption, water uptake and antibacterial properties were also studied due to investigate usability of melamine-based hydrogels as biomaterials.