Development of Efficient Sodium Alginate/Polysuccinimide-Based Hydrogels as Biodegradable Acetaminophen Delivery...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Oral acetaminophen (AP) requires frequent administration (approx. 4 times daily), posing risks of overdose and frequent use.
• Developing efficient drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and therapeutic efficacy.
• Biodegradable polymers offer potential for safer and more effective drug administration routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient, once-daily drug delivery system for acetaminophen (AP).
• To create novel sodium alginate and polysuccinimide (PSI) hydrogels for sustained AP release.
• To evaluate the hydrogels' properties, including mechanical strength, drug dissolution, biodegradability, and release profiles.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of sodium alginate/PSI hydrogels.
• Characterization of hydrogel mechanical properties.
• Assessment of drug dissolution and release kinetics.
• Evaluation of PSI biodegradability via intestinal hydrolysis.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogels demonstrated improved structural mechanical properties.
• PSI hydrolysis in the intestine facilitated complete drug dissolution and elimination.
• The hydrogels provided a continuous release of AP over a 24-hour period.
• Sustained release profiles indicate potential for once-daily dosing.

Conclusions:

• Sodium alginate/PSI hydrogels show promise as biodegradable delivery systems for acetaminophen (AP).
• These hydrogels can potentially reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance.
• The findings have implications for developing advanced drug delivery systems for various therapeutic agents.