Thermosensitive Polyurethane-Based Hydrogels as Potential Vehicles for Meloxicam Delivery.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Meloxicam (MX) is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, inflammation, and fever.
• Current drug delivery systems for NSAIDs face challenges in controlled and sustained release.
• Polyurethane (PU)-based hydrogels offer potential as novel drug delivery platforms due to their tunable properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize thermosensitive polyurethane (PU)-based hydrogels loaded with meloxicam (MX).
• To investigate the rheological and viscoelastic properties of the prepared hydrogel formulations.
• To evaluate the in vitro drug release kinetics and mechanisms of meloxicam from the PU hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of thermosensitive PU hydrogels incorporating various excipients (PEG, PVP, HPC, essential oil).
• Characterization of hydrogel properties including micelle size, zeta potential, and rheology.
• In vitro drug release studies of meloxicam from hydrogels at pH 6 and 37 °C over 24-48 hours and up to 2 weeks.
• Analysis of drug release mechanisms using transport phenomena models.

Main Results:

• PU hydrogels exhibited micelle sizes around 35.8 nm at 37 °C, slightly increasing with MX loading.
• Zeta potential values ranged from -10 mV to -11.5 mV, indicating formulation stability.
• Significant meloxicam release (60-80%) was observed within 24-48 hours, exceeding 90% within 2 weeks.
• Anomalous transport phenomena were identified as the dominant mechanism for MX release from the PU networks.

Conclusions:

• Thermosensitive PU-based hydrogels demonstrate effective loading and controlled release of meloxicam.
• The developed hydrogels show potential as alternative carriers for NSAIDs, improving drug delivery.
• Further research is warranted to explore these hydrogels for advanced pharmaceutical applications.