Injectable biopolymer based hydrogels for drug delivery applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Chitosan (CS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are biocompatible polymers with potential in drug delivery.
• pH-sensitive hydrogels offer controlled release capabilities based on environmental pH.
• Injectable drug delivery systems require materials with appropriate swelling and release characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize pH-sensitive hydrogels based on chitosan and polyethylene glycol.
• To evaluate the swelling behavior and pH responsiveness of the developed hydrogels.
• To assess the potential of these hydrogels for controlled injectable drug delivery using Cefixime as a model drug.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of chitosan/polyethylene glycol hydrogels using a silane crosslinker.
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm siloxane linkage.
• Swelling studies in various pH conditions and water.
• In vitro drug release studies using Cefixime in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF).

Main Results:

• Hydrogel formation confirmed by FTIR, showing stable siloxane linkages.
• Increased PEG molecular weight enhanced swelling in water.
• Hydrogels exhibited significant swelling at acidic and basic pH, with minimal swelling at neutral pH (6-7).
• Complete Cefixime release in 30 min in SGF; 85% controlled release within 80 min in SIF.

Conclusions:

• The developed chitosan/polyethylene glycol hydrogels are pH-sensitive and suitable for injectable drug delivery.
• The tunable swelling and release profiles at physiological pH make them attractive biomaterials.
• These hydrogels show promise for controlled release of drugs and other biomedical applications.