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Azo polymeric hydrogels for colon targeted drug delivery
K L Shantha1, P Ravichandran, K P Rao
1Biomaterials Division, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Madras, India.
Biomaterials
|November 1, 1995
Summary
New azo polymeric hydrogels offer colon-specific drug delivery. These hydrogels release 5-fluorouracil effectively in the colon due to enzymatic cleavage by azoreductase.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Colon-specific drug delivery is crucial for treating colonic diseases.
- Azo crosslinked polymeric hydrogels show potential for targeted drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize azo polymeric hydrogels for colon-specific delivery of 5-fluorouracil.
- To investigate the drug release mechanism in response to intestinal microflora.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of methacryloyloxy azobenzene and copolymerization with hydroxyethyl methacrylate.
- Characterization using FTIR, TGA, and SEM.
- In vitro swelling and 5-fluorouracil release studies in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with and without azoreductase.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels exhibited characteristic spectral properties and swelling behavior.
- 5-fluorouracil release was significantly enhanced in the presence of azoreductase.
- Release kinetics approached zero-order, indicating efficient drug release at the target site.
Conclusions:
- Azo polymeric hydrogels are effective for colon-specific drug targeting.
- Enzymatic cleavage of azo bonds by azoreductase facilitates controlled drug release in the colon.