Structural changes in pH-responsive gelatin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate blends aimed at drug-release...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Gelatin and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCP) are biocompatible polymers.
• pH-responsive drug delivery systems are crucial for targeted oral formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the thermal and pH-dependent gelation of gelatin/HPMCP blends.
• To understand the mechanism of pH-dependent drug release inhibition.

Main Methods:

• Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry
• Viscoelasticity measurements
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

Main Results:

• Low pH (< 4.8) induced HPMCP aggregation, forming a physical barrier.
• This aggregation significantly inhibited lisinopril release from gelatin/HPMCP gels at pH 1.2.
• pH affected the transparency and viscoelastic properties of the gels.

Conclusions:

• Gelatin/HPMCP blends exhibit pH-responsive gelation and drug release behavior.
• The developed hydrogel system is suitable for oral gel formulations requiring pH-triggered drug delivery.