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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
11:13
Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules
Published on: August 19, 2015
A composite polyelectrolytic matrix for controlled oral drug delivery
Priya Bawa1, Viness Pillay, Yahya Essop Choonara
1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa.
AAPS Pharmscitech
|January 13, 2011
Summary
This study developed novel pectin, chitosan (CHT), and hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAAm) matrices for controlled oral drug delivery. The matrices effectively modulated the release of diphenhydramine HCl (DPH), showcasing potential for advanced pharmaceutical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Controlling drug release from polymeric matrices is crucial for effective oral drug delivery.
- Polyelectrolyte complexes offer unique properties for modulating drug solvation and release kinetics.
- Pectin, chitosan (CHT), and hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAAm) are biocompatible polymers with potential for drug delivery applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate and characterize drug-loaded polyelectrolyte matrices using pectin, CHT, and HPAAm.
- To investigate the influence of polymer blends on premature polymer solvation and drug release modulation.
- To evaluate the release of diphenhydramine HCl (DPH) from these matrices under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of pectin-CHT-HPAAm, pectin-HPAAm, and CHT-HPAAm matrices.
- Validation of polyelectrolyte complex formation using FTIR spectroscopy and molecular mechanics simulations.
- Characterization of matrices via textural profiling, porositometry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- In vitro drug release studies using USP apparatus 3 under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Results:
- FTIR and simulations confirmed electrostatic interactions between CHT and HPAAm, and between pectin and HPAAm.
- CHT-HPAAm matrices exhibited the highest resilience, while pectin-CHT-HPAAm matrices were the least resilient.
- Matrices displayed varying pore structures and surface areas, influencing drug release profiles.
- Drug release rates differed significantly: CHT-HPAAm showed no release at 2h, pectin-HPAAm released 28.2%, and pectin-CHT-HPAAm released 82.2% at 2h. Complete release from pectin-CHT-HPAAm was achieved by 4h, while CHT-HPAAm only released 35%.
Conclusions:
- The developed polyelectrolyte matrices demonstrate tunable drug release capabilities.
- The combination of pectin, CHT, and HPAAm can effectively control the release of highly water-soluble drugs like DPH.
- These matrices hold promise for advanced controlled oral drug delivery systems.
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