Development of Vaginal Carriers Based on Chitosan-Grafted-PNIPAAm for Progesterone Administration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Chitosan-based hydrogels offer biocompatibility for biomedical uses.
• Vaginal progesterone administration is crucial for pregnancy maintenance and reducing miscarriage risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel pH- and temperature-dependent hydrogels for vaginal progesterone delivery.
• To evaluate the suitability of chitosan-grafted-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/polyvinyl alcohol (CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA) hydrogels for progesterone (PGT) administration.

Main Methods:

• CS-g-PNIPAAm was formulated with PVA as a crosslinking agent.
• Hydrogels were analyzed using FTIR, swelling tests, in vitro drug release, and texture analysis.
• Formulations were tested with and without progesterone (PGT).

Main Results:

• Increased PVA content reduced hydrogel swelling and bioadhesion.
• All hydrogels exhibited pH- and temperature-dependent swelling and drug release.
• Progesterone-loaded hydrogels showed enhanced sensitivity compared to drug-free matrices.
• The CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA 80/20 +PGT (P1) hydrogel demonstrated optimal properties.

Conclusions:

• CS-g-PNIPAAm/PVA hydrogels are promising for vaginal progesterone delivery.
• The P1 formulation is recommended for its release profile and bioadhesion characteristics.
• These hydrogels offer a viable approach for supporting pregnancy and fertility treatments.