A Review on Interpenetrating Polymer Network

Natural polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides though very useful exhibit a limitation in their reactivity and process ability. These shortcomings were overcome by chemical and physical alteration of natural polymers. Among various investigations, the interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) for hydro gels have attracted much attention. It is a combination of at least two polymer chains each in network form, of which at least one is synthesized and/or cross linked in the immediate presence of the other without any covalent bonds between them. Water absorption and desorption properties of these IPN hydro gels were analyzed extensively. The water imbibing property of IPN is responsive not only to the chemical architecture of the macromolecular matrices, but also to the surrounding conditions such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, magnetic field, ultraviolet light, etc. These systems which are also termed as ‘hungry networks’ or ‘intelligent polymers’ are currently the focus of considerable scientific research due to their potential technological application in a large number of areas: medicine, industry, biology and environmental clean-up. Some of the significant applications of IPNs include artificial implants, dialysis membranes, drug-delivery systems, burndressings, etc. This review disserts about application and properties of IPN have enabled this polymer to become the choice of the pharmacologist as oral drug delivery matrices and other applications.