pH-sensitive hydrogel from Colocasia esculenta mucilage for controlled tramadol release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Plant-derived polysaccharides are key for developing pH-responsive hydrogels for targeted drug delivery.
• Developing novel hydrogel networks with tailored properties expands their application scope.
• Colocasia esculenta mucilage (CM) presents a potential source for biocompatible hydrogel precursors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize pH-responsive hydrogels by grafting acrylic acid (AA) onto Colocasia esculenta mucilage (CM).
• To evaluate the drug-loading capacity and controlled release profile of the synthesized CM-g-AA hydrogels.
• To assess the biocompatibility, safety, and pharmacokinetic performance of the hydrogels as a drug delivery carrier.

Main Methods:

• Free radical polymerization was employed to graft acrylic acid onto the CM backbone.
• Synthesized CM-g-AA hydrogels were characterized for thermal stability and porosity.
• In vitro drug release studies of Tramadol hydrochloride were conducted under varying pH conditions.
• Acute oral toxicity tests and pharmacokinetic evaluations in rabbits were performed.

Main Results:

• The synthesized CM-g-AA hydrogels were found to be thermally stable, porous, and non-toxic.
• Impressive loading capacity for Tramadol hydrochloride was observed.
• pH-controlled, prolonged release of Tramadol hydrochloride was achieved in vitro.
• Pharmacokinetic studies showed higher drug concentration and improved bioavailability compared to aqueous solution.

Conclusions:

• CM-g-AA hydrogels are effective, non-toxic carriers for pH-triggered, prolonged drug delivery.
• The developed hydrogels demonstrate significant potential for enhancing drug efficacy and patient compliance.
• This study highlights the utility of plant-derived polysaccharides in creating advanced drug delivery systems.