Synthesis of thermoresponsive hydrogel for controlled release of quercetin

Thermoresponsive hydrogels are crosslinked hydrophilic polymers that absorb water and change their conformations depending on physiological conditions. As they swell/shrink according to environmental conditions, they are designed as stimuli responsive drug delivery/controlled release systems. Quercetin, with proven beneficial impact on health, is one of the phenolic flavonoids and the most potent antioxidants. In this study, quercetin loaded thermoresponsive hydrogel was synthesized and its release behavior with respect to temperature changes was investigated. Thermoresponsive hydrogels were synthesized via photopolymerization technique. Spectrophotometric measurements at room temperature (25°C) and body temperature (37°C) were performed. It is reported that the designed hydrogel released quercetin from polymer network to the aqueous medium at body temperature.