Functionalization of Polypropylene Films with 2-(Diethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate for Dual Stimuli-Responsive Drug Loading and Release Studies

This research involved functionalizing polypropylene (PP) films with 2-(Diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEM), a monomer that responds to both temperature and pH. For this, Gamma-ray irradiation was used at a dose rate of 11.75 kGy h^-1, doses ranging from 30 to 100 kGy, and a monomer concentration of 50% (<i>v</i>/<i>v</i>). The modified films (PP-g-DEAEM) were characterized by thermal analysis, FTIR-ATR, swelling, and contact angle. Confirming that the films were successfully grafted with DEAEM, improving the wettability of the pristine PP films, with a critical pH of 5.6 and a temperature response at 45.7 °C. Subsequently, the films were subjected to ciprofloxacin loading and release, and their in vitro efficacy against the <i>E. coli</i> strain was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method. This work suggests potential applications in biomedical devices; however, further studies are needed.