Development of a Chitosan-Based Smart Hydrogel Composite as a Controlled Release Drug Delivery Agent

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Diclofenac sodium (Ds) is a widely used anti-inflammatory drug.
• Developing effective and sustained drug delivery systems is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance.
• Hydrogel composites offer potential for controlled drug release due to their tunable properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional hydrogel composite (CsP@Ag) for sustained release of diclofenac sodium (Ds).
• To investigate the structural, physicochemical, and stimuli-responsive properties of the CsP@Ag hydrogel.
• To evaluate the in vitro drug release kinetics and biocompatibility of the developed system.

Main Methods:

• A chitosan (Cs)-based hydrogel composite (CsP@Ag) was synthesized using 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehyde and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) via Schiff base condensation.
• Characterization included morphology (SEM), physicochemical properties, thermomechanical analysis, and swelling behavior under varying pH and temperature.
• Diclofenac sodium (Ds) loading and in vitro release studies were conducted at different pH conditions, followed by kinetic analysis (Korsmeyer-Peppas model).
• Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility tests were performed.

Main Results:

• The CsP@Ag hydrogel composite exhibited a honeycomb-like porous morphology with mesoporous structure (average pore diameter 38.8 nm).
• Incorporation of AgNO₃ enhanced thermomechanical properties.
• The hydrogel demonstrated significant temperature-dependent swelling and pH responsiveness, with maximum swelling (4268%) at neutral pH.
• Sustained and controlled in vitro release of Ds was achieved, fitting the Korsmeyer-Peppas model.
• The system showed good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• The developed CsP@Ag hydrogel composite is a promising biocompatible material for sustained drug delivery.
• Its stimuli-responsive properties (pH and temperature) enable tailored drug loading and release.
• The system holds potential for advanced therapeutic applications requiring prolonged drug release.