Synthesis and characterization of novel stimuli-responsive hydrogels based on starch and L-aspartic acid

Starch is a hydrophilic biopolymer that is desirable in synthesizing new hydrogels. l-Aspartic acid is a multifunctional amino acid that can be used to modify starch in order to introduce new functional groups on its chains. In this research, a series of novel natural hydrogels based on starch and l-aspartic acid have been synthesized. These hydrogels exhibited temperature-responsive swelling behavior, pH sensitivity and superabsorbency properties. They were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infra-Red Spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The thermal properties of the hydrogels were evaluated using Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetery (DSC). Swelling studies were carried out at various temperatures and pHs. All of the hydrogels exhibited a high swelling ratio; in aqueous media, this value was greater at higher pH than at lower pH. These properties introduce a novel carrier having applications in delivery systems.