Novel polymeric composites based on carboxymethyl chitosan and poly(acrylic acid): in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The purpose of the study was to develop a novel, efficient, stable, chemically crosslinked polymeric system that have pH responsive behaviour and can effectively release 5-FU in a controlled manner. Furthermore it can target colonic cancer minimizing the side effects of in vivo chemotherapy via 5-FU. Swelling and drug release studies were performed to evaluate its in vitro release behaviour. Hydrogels were also characterized by FTIR, SEM and DSC. In vitro cytocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the hydrogels were determined by MTT assay using HeLa cells. Developed hydrogels were then administered to rabbits orally to evaluate its pharmacokinetic behaviour in vivo. Maximum swelling, drug loading and release were observed at pH 7.4. Similarly maximum absorption was achieved at pH 7.4 in rabbits. It is concluded that CMC-co-poly(AA) have a great potential to be used for controlled drug delivery and colonic targeting for the delivery for various anticancer drugs.