pH-sensitive sodium alginate hydrogels for riboflavin controlled release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Sodium alginate (SA) is a widely used natural polymer for drug delivery.
• Developing pH-sensitive hydrogels is crucial for targeted and controlled drug release.
• Polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) can modify alginate properties for improved functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize PGMA-g-SA hydrogels as pH-sensitive matrices for riboflavin (RF) delivery.
• To compare the performance of PGMA-g-SA hydrogels with traditional calcium alginate (CA) beads.
• To optimize the formulation for enhanced drug entrapment and sustained release.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PGMA-g-SA hydrogels.
• Preparation of calcium alginate (CA) beads.
• Characterization using FT-IR and SEM.
• Evaluation of swelling, degradation, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release.
• Testing in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF).

Main Results:

• Optimal PGMA-g-SA formulation achieved with 0.75 mol/1 g PGMA-g-SA and 0.03 g RF.
• PGMA grafting enhanced RF entrapment efficiency and reduced swelling and degradation.
• Sustained RF release for approximately 3 days (SIF) and 4 days (SGF).
• PGMA-g-SA hydrogels demonstrated superior and controlled RF release compared to pure SA beads.

Conclusions:

• PGMA-g-SA hydrogels represent an effective and facile method for improving drug delivery systems.
• The enhanced properties of PGMA-g-SA hydrogels offer potential for advanced pH-sensitive drug delivery applications.
• This study highlights the benefits of polymer grafting for tailoring alginate-based drug carriers.