https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02149-6
Regular Article
Synthesis and characterization of cellulose-based graft copolymer with hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers for controlled drug release application of imatinib: an anticancer drug
1
Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, Gharuan, Punjab, India
2
University Centre for Research and Development (UCRD), Department of Physics, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, Gharuan, Punjab, India
3
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Arts, Najran University, P. O. Box 1988, 11001, Najran, Saudi Arabia
4
Advanced Materials and Nano-Research Centre (AMNRC), Najran University, P. O. Box 1988, 11001, Najran, Saudi Arabia
5
Department of Physics, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, U. P., India
6
Department of Physics, Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
7
Department of Physics, University Institute of Sciences, Chandigarh University, 140413, Gharuan, Punjab, India
a
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
b
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Received:
18
October
2025
Accepted:
19
January
2026
Published online:
9
February
2026
Abstract
Cellulose, a biopolymer composed of β-1,4-linked D-glucopyranose units, possesses inherent porosity, swelling capability, and mechanical strength. Chemical modification and grafting can further enhance its physicochemical, biochemical, and hydrophobic–hydrophilic properties, making it suitable for advanced biomedical applications. In this study, microfibrous cellulose-based graft copolymers, cellulose-graft-Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (Cell-g-Poly(HEMA)), and crosslinked cellulose-graft-Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (Cross-Cell-g-Poly(HEMA)) were synthesized via a radical polymerization approach. Optimal reaction conditions were determined by varying one parameter while keeping others constant. The synthesized copolymers were characterized using FTIR, XRD, DSC, SEM, and HR-TEM to confirm structural, morphological, crystalline, and thermal modifications. Swelling and drug release studies were conducted using Imatinib mesylate as a model anticancer drug. Drug loading efficiencies were 56.1% for microfibrous cellulose, 46.7% for Cell-g-Poly(HEMA), and 58.0% for Cross-Cell-g-Poly(HEMA). Maximum swelling occurred at pH 9.4, with percent swelling capacities of 991.7%, 550%, and 1015%, respectively. Sustained drug release (90–98%) was achieved under neutral and alkaline conditions due to enhanced polymeric matrix swelling. Kinetic modeling revealed quasi-Fickian diffusion for cellulose and non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion for the grafted copolymers, with correlation coefficients approaching unity, confirming linear release behavior. These findings demonstrate that grafted cellulose copolymers, particularly Cross-Cell-g-Poly(HEMA), are promising matrices for controlled delivery of Imatinib mesylate and potentially other therapeutic agents.
Copyright comment Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
