Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel microspheres for oral controlled release application

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Oral drug delivery systems require precise control over drug release kinetics.
• Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) offer tunable properties for advanced drug delivery applications.
• Diclofenac sodium (DS) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) necessitating improved oral delivery formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize NaCMC/PVA IPN hydrogel microspheres for oral controlled release of DS.
• To investigate the influence of formulation variables on microsphere properties and drug release.
• To evaluate the suitability of these IPN microspheres for sustained oral drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of NaCMC/PVA IPN hydrogel microspheres via water-in-oil emulsion crosslinking.
• Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
• In vitro drug release studies in acidic and alkaline media to assess release kinetics.

Main Results:

• SEM confirmed microspheres with both loose and rigid surface morphologies.
• FTIR and XRD analyses verified the formation of IPNs.
• DSC provided insights into drug dispersion within the microspheres.
• In vitro release studies demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical properties and controlled release profiles, with a non-Fickian release trend observed.

Conclusions:

• NaCMC/PVA IPN hydrogel microspheres were successfully prepared for oral controlled release of DS.
• The developed microspheres exhibit favorable characteristics for sustained drug delivery.
• These findings suggest the potential of DS-loaded IPN microspheres as an effective oral controlled release system.