Cyclodextrin-functionalized polyethylene and polypropylene as biocompatible materials for diclofenac delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are widely used polymers.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems from these polymers remains a challenge.
• Surface modification offers a route to impart new functionalities to PE and PP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize PE and PP surfaces with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-CD (HP-beta-CD).
• To evaluate the potential of these modified polymers as drug delivery systems.
• To investigate the drug uptake and release capabilities of the functionalized materials.

Main Methods:

• Two-step surface functionalization: gamma radiation-induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) followed by reaction with CDs.
• Characterization using infrared analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and an organic compound probe.
• Assessment of drug (diclofenac) uptake and release kinetics.

Main Results:

• Successful grafting of GMA and subsequent CD functionalization on PE and PP surfaces.
• Functionalized materials maintained cytocompatibility and showed minimal changes in water contact angle and friction coefficient.
• Significantly enhanced diclofenac uptake via inclusion complex formation with CDs.
• Controlled drug release observed for up to 1 hour.

Conclusions:

• Surface functionalization with CDs transforms PE and PP into promising drug delivery platforms.
• The developed materials demonstrate efficient drug loading and controlled release capabilities.
• These findings suggest potential applications in medicated medical devices for localized pain and inflammation management.