Cyclodextrin Nanosponge-PVA Hybrid Networks as Supramolecular Reservoir Systems for Amitriptyline

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels are widely used for drug delivery.
• Controlled release of pharmaceuticals like amitriptyline hydrochloride (AMT) remains a challenge.
• β-cyclodextrin (βCD) nanosponges (CDNSs) offer potential for drug encapsulation due to their host-guest properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize hybrid supramolecular systems for controlled AMT delivery.
• To investigate the role of βCD nanosponges within PVA hydrogels for drug release modulation.
• To evaluate the impact of PVA concentration on hydrogel properties and drug release.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PVA-CDNS hybrid hydrogels via freeze-thaw crosslinking.
• Adsorption-desorption studies to assess CDNS drug-loading capacity.
• Characterization of hydrogel swelling behavior and microstructure.
• In vitro drug release studies and kinetic analysis using the Weibull model.

Main Results:

• CDNSs showed efficient AMT encapsulation (∼60%) with reversible host-guest interactions.
• Increasing PVA concentration reduced hydrogel swelling and water uptake.
• Hybrid hydrogels exhibited reduced burst release, lag times, and prolonged AMT release compared to neat PVA.
• Weibull model fitting indicated diffusion-controlled release in pure PVA and heterogeneous diffusion in hybrid systems.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid PVA-CDNS hydrogels serve as effective supramolecular systems for controlled drug delivery.
• CDNSs act as reservoirs within the PVA matrix, modulating AMT release kinetics.
• The developed hydrogels offer a promising platform for sustained release of amitriptyline hydrochloride.