Thermogelling Platform for Baicalin Delivery for Versatile Biomedical Applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Baicalin (BG) exhibits therapeutic potential but suffers from poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability.
• Chitosan (Ch)/glycerophosphate (GP) hydrogels offer a promising platform for drug delivery due to their thermosensitive and biocompatible nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize chitosan (Ch)/glycerophosphate (GP)-based thermosensitive hydrogels for improved baicalin (BG) solubility and bioavailability.
• To investigate the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) on hydrogel properties and drug release kinetics.
• To evaluate the in vivo pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability of BG delivered via buccal administration of the developed hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to analyze molecular interactions between BG and GP.
• Preparation and characterization of Ch/GP hydrogels, including gelation time, swelling ratio, rheological properties, and microstructure.
• In vitro drug release studies and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in a rabbit model following buccal administration.

Main Results:

• GP enhanced BG water solubility, and PEG/HPMC modulated hydrogel gelation, rheology, and in vitro drug release.
• Buccal administration of BG-loaded Ch/GP hydrogels in rabbits demonstrated controlled BG absorption.
• In vivo bioavailability of BG was increased by 330% compared to an oral aqueous suspension.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan/glycerophosphate thermosensitive hydrogels are effective for improving baicalin solubility and bioavailability via buccal administration.
• The developed hydrogel platform is versatile and suitable for various local and injectable therapeutic applications.
• This delivery system addresses the limitations of traditional BG oral administration, offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy.