Controlled Delivery of Corticosteroids Using Tunable Tough Adhesives.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrogel-based systems are crucial for localized, extended drug release.
• Alginate-polyacrylamide tough hydrogels show promise for corticosteroid delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate stimuli-responsive controlled release of triamcinolone acetonide from tough hydrogel drug delivery systems (TADDS).
• To explore composite TADDS incorporating nanoparticles and microparticles for enhanced drug release modulation.
• To assess the shelf-life and stability of TADDS using lyophilization.

Main Methods:

• Development of alginate-polyacrylamide tough hydrogels for drug encapsulation.
• Stimulation of drug release using ultrasound pulses and temperature changes.
• Incorporation of laponite nanoparticles and PLGA microparticles into TADDS.
• Lyophilization of TADDS to evaluate shelf-life and stability.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound and temperature stimuli effectively controlled triamcinolone acetonide release from TADDS.
• Composite TADDS with nanoparticles/microparticles demonstrated enhanced release modulation.
• Lyophilized TADDS exhibited physical stability and maintained drug bioactivity.

Conclusions:

• TADDS offer tunable properties for controlled drug delivery applications.
• Stimuli-responsive and composite TADDS represent advanced platforms for localized drug release.
• Lyophilization is a viable method for TADDS stabilization, ensuring drug integrity.