Sustainable synthesis and characterization of inulin/fructans-based polyurethane hydrogels using deep eutectic solvents for drug delivery systems.

This study focuses on synthesizing polysaccharide-based polyurethane hydrogels using inulin and agave fructan as renewable precursors. A deep eutectic solvent composed of choline chloride and 1,4-butanediol was utilized to promote the sustainability of the materials, enabling a more environmentally friendly synthesis route. The resulting polymers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies to understand their chemical properties. Their physicochemical properties were also studied through mechanical tests, swelling capacity measurements, hydrolytic degradation assays, and scanning electron microscopy. Their thermal behavior was characterized through thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. Biocompatibility was evaluated through cell viability assays in epithelial, hepatic, and immune cell lines. The ability of the materials to release ibuprofen was measured, confirming their potential for biomedical applications. Furthermore, density functional theory simulations were integrated into the study to support the proposed synthesis process. In addition, their tailored physicochemical properties, renewable origins, and smart polymer performance position them as promising candidates for designing future drug delivery systems and other bioapplications. Compared to similar materials synthesized by conventional methods, these hydrogels showed competitive properties, avoiding the use of toxic solvents and catalysts. This research highlights the potential of integrating natural polymer sources and green chemistry principles to develop innovative biomaterials, contributing to the advancement of sustainable healthcare technologies, mainly for drug release systems.