Naproxen-Loaded Poly(2-hydroxyalkyl methacrylates): Preparation and Drug Release Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Development of novel drug delivery systems is crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy.
• Poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (pHEMA) and poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (pHPMA) are biocompatible polymers with potential for drug encapsulation.
• Naproxen (NPX) is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) requiring effective delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize NPX/pHEMA and NPX/pHPMA composite materials.
• To investigate the in vitro release dynamics of Naproxen from these composite drug carriers.
• To compare the drug release performance and solubility enhancement of the two polymer systems.

Main Methods:

• In situ free radical photopolymerization for composite preparation.
• Characterization using FTIR, DSC, SEM, and XRD.
• In vitro drug release studies at different pH values and swelling studies.

Main Results:

• Both NPX/pHEMA and NPX/pHPMA composites showed Fickian diffusion for water and Naproxen release.
• Optimal Naproxen release occurred in neutral pH media, with lower NPX content yielding better release.
• pHEMA-based composites exhibited superior Naproxen release performance and significantly enhanced NPX solubility compared to pHPMA.

Conclusions:

• pHEMA and pHPMA composites are effective drug carriers for Naproxen.
• The release kinetics are influenced by NPX content, pH, and swelling degree.
• pHEMA demonstrates superior potential for developing Naproxen drug delivery systems due to enhanced release and solubility.