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Formulation and in-vitro characterization of okra mucilage-based controlled release hydrogels.
Mriba Khaliq1, Muhammad Irfan Siddique2, Samreen Soomro2
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Okra mucilage powder hydrogels were developed for controlled methotrexate delivery. These pH-responsive materials offer enhanced stability and extended drug release, utilizing natural polymers for improved gastrointestinal drug safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Natural polymers like okra mucilage powder (OMP) are valuable in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.
- Controlled-release formulations are crucial for mitigating drug-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.
- OMP's unique gelling and pH-sensitive properties make it a promising candidate for advanced drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop OMP-based hydrogels for sustained methotrexate (MTX) release.
- To investigate the potential of free-radical polymerization in creating these drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Hydrogels were synthesized using OMP, gelatin, acrylic acid (monomer), N, N-methylene bis-acrylamide (crosslinker), and ammonium persulfate (initiator).
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze hydrogel structure.
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed thermal stability and chemical compatibility.
Main Results:
- The hydrogels displayed pH-dependent swelling, peaking at pH 7.4 and minimizing at pH 1.2.
- Formulation OG3, with optimized gelatin and crosslinker concentrations, demonstrated superior stability and controlled release kinetics.
- SEM revealed a porous hydrogel structure conducive to drug loading.
Conclusions:
- Stable, pH-responsive hydrogels for MTX delivery were successfully developed using OMP.
- The drug release mechanism followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating successful controlled release.
- These findings highlight the potential of OMP-based hydrogels for safe and effective methotrexate administration.
