Targeted release of naproxen drug in the simulated gastrointestinal environment using a pectin-based pH-sensitive...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Naproxen is an effective analgesic but can cause gastrointestinal issues.
• Smart hydrogels offer a strategy to mitigate naproxen's side effects by controlling its release.
• Developing targeted drug delivery systems is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and optimize a novel pectin-based hydrogel ((Ptn/PVA)-g-poly(AA)) as a carrier for naproxen.
• To evaluate the structural, morphological, and viscoelastic properties of the developed hydrogel.
• To assess the pH-sensitive drug release profile of naproxen from the hydrogel in simulated gastrointestinal environments.

Main Methods:

• Graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto pectin and polyvinyl alcohol to synthesize the hydrogel.
• Characterization using FT-IR spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and rheological measurements.
• In vitro drug release studies in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, followed by kinetic modeling.

Main Results:

• The (Ptn/PVA)-g-poly(AA) hydrogel was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• The hydrogel demonstrated pH-sensitive behavior, protecting naproxen in simulated gastric fluid.
• Approximately 69% of naproxen was released under simulated intestinal conditions, following Korsmeyer-Peppas and first-order models.

Conclusions:

• The pectin-based smart hydrogel effectively delivers naproxen, showing protection in the stomach and controlled release in the intestine.
• This hydrogel system holds significant potential for targeted and enhanced naproxen drug delivery.
• The developed material offers a promising approach to reduce naproxen-induced gastrointestinal side effects.