Phase behavior, rheological and mechanical properties of hydrophilic polymer dispersions

Liquid polymeric systems that can undergo phase change (sol to gel) upon administration into the teat canal of cow's mammary gland can serve as a physical barrier to invading pathogens and can also serve as a reservoir for controlled release of therapeutic agents. The aim of the study was to investigate the phase behavior, rheological and mechanical properties of selected in situ gelling systems. Six in situ gelling polymer formulations were identified using phase behavior studies. Rheological studies revealed pseudoplastic flow with thixotropy. All six formulations showed significantly different viscosity, pseudoplasticity and thixotropy values except for CMC1 and HPMC2 which where statistically similar. The gel strength was dependent on the solvent system used and amount of water in the system. These in situ gelling systems have the potential to serve as a platform for development of intramammary formulations intended for administration into the teat canal of the cow's mammary gland. They can serve as a physical barrier or a matrix for controlled drug release.