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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Polysaccharide based hydrogels as controlled drug delivery system for GIT cancer
1Department of Chemistry, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla 171005, India.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|February 18, 2014
Summary
Psyllium-based hydrogels were developed for controlled methotrexate delivery in the GI tract. These hydrogels show sustained drug release, indicating potential for anticancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science and Drug Delivery
Background:
- Psyllium exhibits anticancer properties and can be modified for drug delivery.
- Methotrexate is an anticancer drug requiring controlled release systems for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize psyllium-based hydrogels (psy-cl-poly(AAm-co-AAc)) for sustained methotrexate delivery.
- To evaluate the swelling and drug release behavior of these hydrogels in different pH environments.
Main Methods:
- Chemical crosslinking was used to prepare psy-cl-poly(AAm-co-AAc) hydrogels.
- Characterization involved Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEMs), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
- Swelling studies and in vitro drug release tests were conducted at various pH levels.
Main Results:
- The synthesized hydrogels were successfully characterized using various analytical techniques.
- Swelling and drug release were dependent on the pH of the surrounding solution.
- Methotrexate release from the hydrogel matrix followed Fickian diffusion kinetics in a pH 7.4 buffer.
Conclusions:
- Psyllium-derived hydrogels are suitable for controlled and sustained delivery of methotrexate.
- The developed hydrogels demonstrate potential as effective drug delivery systems for GI tract applications, particularly in anticancer therapy.
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