Synthesis,Characterization and Evaluation of IPN Hydrogels for Antibiotic Release

We prepared new ternary interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPN) systems containing chitosan, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(acrylamide) polymers. IPNs were synthesized by radical polymerization of acrylamide monomers in presence of glutaraldehyde (G) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinkers and the other polymers. These IPNs were named as C-P-A. Glutaraldehyde were used in different concentration to control the network porous of IPNs. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses of these cylindrical shaped IPNs were made with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis. Swelling studies of IPNs were carried out at pH 1.1 and pH 7.4 at 37°C. The swelling and diffusion parameters of IPNs in these solutions were calculated. Amoxicillin as a bioactive species was entrapped to the IPNs during synthesis. In vitro release kinetics of IPNs were investigated. The experimental data of swelling and release studies suggest clearly that the swelling and release process obeys second-order kinetics. The release of the entrapped bioactive species from IPNs depends on the degree of crosslinking of the polymer and pH of the medium at body temperature. We observed that amoxicillin release at pH 1.1 was higher than at pH 7.4. As a result, IPNs-based chitosan with different cross-linker concentration could be promising candidates for formulation in oral gastrointestinal delivery systems.     

Delivery of LMW heparin via surface coated chitosan/peg-alginate microspheres prevents thrombosis

Heparin remains the gold-standard inhibitor of the process involved in the vascular response to injury. Continued anticoagulation is achieved by subcutaneous administration of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMW Hep) or with an orally active anticoagulant such as warfarin. An oral heparin would avoid the inconvenience of subcutaneous injections and adverse events associated with warfarin. A mild chitosan/PEG/calcium alginate microencapsulation process, as applied to encapsulation of biological macromolecules such as heparin and LMW Hep was investigated. Heparin and LMW Hep entrapped alginate beads were further surface/enteric coated with chitosan and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) via carbodiimide (EDC) functionalities. It was observed that approximately 70% of the content is being released into Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.4 within the initial 6 hours and no significant release of LMW Hep was observed from enteric coated microspheres (12%) during treatment with 0.1 M HCl, pH 1.0 for 4 hours. But acid treated capsules had released almost all the entrapped LMW Hep into Tris-HCl, pH 7.4 media within 6 hours. From scanning electron microscopic and swelling studies, it appeared that the surface coatings (via chitosan and CAP) had modified the alginate microspheres and subsequently the drug release. The released heparin and LMW Hep had shown their anticoagulant functions. These results established the feasibility of modifying the formulation in order to obtain the desired controlled release of bioactive agent (LMW Hep), for a convenient pH dependent delivery system.     

Delivery of LMW Heparin via Surface Coated Chitosan/peg-Alginate Microspheres Prevents Thrombosis

Heparin remains the gold-standard inhibitor of the process involved in the vascular response to injury. Continued anticoagulation is achieved by subcutaneous administration of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMW Hep) or with an orally active anticoagulant such as warfarin. An oral heparin would avoid the inconvenience of subcutaneous injections and adverse events associated with warfarin. A mild chitosan/PEG/calcium alginate microencapsulation process, as applied to encapsulation of biological macromolecules such as heparin and LMW Hep was investigated. Heparin and LMW Hep entrapped alginate beads were further surface/enteric coated with chitosan and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) via carbodiimide (EDC) functionalities. It was observed that approximately 70% of the content is being released into Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.4 within the initial 6 hours and no significant release of LMW Hep was observed from enteric coated microspheres (12%) during treatment with 0.1 M HCl, pH 1.0 for 4 hours. But acid treated capsules had released almost all the entrapped LMW Hep into Tris-HCl, pH 7.4 media within 6 hours. From scanning electron microscopic and swelling studies, it appeared that the surface coatings (via chitosan and CAP) had modified the alginate microspheres and subsequently the drug release. The released heparin and LMW Hep had shown their anticoagulant functions. These results established the feasibility of modifying the formulation in order to obtain the desired controlled release of bioactive agent (LMW Hep), for a convenient pH dependent delivery system.     

Moulded cross-linked chitosan matrix systems for controlled drug release

Matrix-type drug delivery systems were prepared by moulding and drying cross-linked chitosan gels in 24-well plates and they were evaluated in terms of their physical properties, drug content, surface morphology and swelling. Furthermore, the in vitro drug release profiles were subjected to kinetic modelling at two different pH values. In general, the moulded matrix systems showed statistically significantly slower drug release compared to immediate release tablets as measured by the mean dissolution time. Drug release from the moulded matrix systems prepared from chitosan cross-linked with tripolyphosphate was pH-dependent as can be seen from the release exponent value (n) of 0.75 at pH 5.8 (anomalous transport, erosion), while the n value was only 0.40 at pH 7.4 (Fickian diffusion). The matrix systems obtained from chitosan cross-linked with sodium lauryl sulphate showed higher swelling but mostly Fickian diffusional release (n?=?0.25 at pH 7.4, n?=?0.41 at pH 5.8).     

Psyllium and copolymers of 2-hydroxylethylmethacrylate and acrylamide-based novel devices for the use in colon specific antibiotic drug delivery

In order to utilize the psyllium husk, a medicinally important natural polysaccharide, to develop the hydrogels meant for the drug delivery, we have prepared psyllium 2-hydroxylethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and acrylamide (AAm)-based polymeric networks by using N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (N,N'-MBAAm) as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator. The polymeric networks thus formed [psy-cl-poly(HEMA-co-AAm)] were characterized with FTIR and swelling studies which were carried out as a function of crosslinker concentration, time, pH and [NaCl] of the swelling medium. The swelling kinetics of the hydrogels and in vitro release dynamics of model drug (tetracycline hydrochloride) from these hydrogels has been studied for the evaluation of swelling mechanism and drug release mechanism from the hydrogels. The values of the diffusion exponent 'n' have been obtained 0.5 for both swelling kinetics and drug release dynamics. This value shows that the Fickian type diffusion mechanism has occurred for the swelling of the polymers and for the release of drug from the polymers in different release mediums. The values of the initial diffusion coefficients (10.6 x 10(-4), 13.1 x 10(-4), 14.0 x 10(-4))cm(2)/min, average diffusion coefficients (22.2 x 10(-4), 25.7 x 10(-4), 27.0 x 10(-4))cm(2)/min and late diffusion coefficients (1.68 x 10(-4), 2.15 x 10(-4), 2.28 x 10(-4))cm(2)/min for the release of tetracycline HCl respectively in distilled water, pH 2.2 buffer and pH 7.4 buffer from the drug loaded samples shows that in the initial stages, the rate of release of drug from the hydrogels is slow and rate of diffusion of drug increases with time.     

Release characteristics of diclofenac sodium from poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate and poly(vinyl alcohol)-grafted-poly(acrylamide)/sodium alginate blend beads.

In this study, acrylamide (AAm) was grafted onto poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with UV radiation at ambient temperature. The graft copolymer (PVA-g-PAAm) was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Polymeric blend beads of PVA-g-PAAm and PVA with sodium alginate (NaAlg) were prepared by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) and used to deliver a model anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium (DS). Preparation condition of the beads was optimized by considering the percentage entrapment efficiency, particle size, swelling capacity of beads and their release data. Effects of variables such as PVA/NaAlg ratio, acrylamide content, exposure time to GA and drug/polymer ratio on the release of DS were discussed at three different pH values (1.2, 6.8, 7.4). It was observed that, DS release from the beads decreased with increasing PVA/NaAlg (m/m) ratio, drug/polymer ratio (d/p) and extent of cross-linking. However, DS release increased with increasing acrylamide content of the PVA-g-PAAm polymer. The highest DS release was obtained to be 92% for 1/1 PVA-g-PAAm/NaAlg ratio beads. It was also observed from release results that DS release from the beads through the external medium is much higher at high pH (6.8 and 7.4) than that at low pH (1.2). The drug release from the beads mostly followed Case II transport.     

Diffusion and binding of 5-fluorouracil in non-ionic hydrogels with interpolymer complexation

Hydrogen-bonded interpolymer complexes can be used for development of novel dosage forms. In this study, two types of crosslinked hydrogels, copolymer networks of N-vinyl pyrrolidone and acrylamide (PVP-co-PAM) and interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) composed of crosslinked PVP-co-PAM and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), were synthesized at three different degrees of crosslinking. The side chain groups in such polymers can form non-ionic complexes through H-bonding, resulting in additional "crosslinks" in the hydrogels. Both kinds of hydrogels have significantly larger swelling sensitivities than the networks formed with ionizable side chains. In the IPNs, introduction of the PVA chains into the PVP-co-PAM networks raises the permeability, indicating more open pores. The permeability decreases with the increasing degree of crosslinking of the copolymer. For probing the drug binding in the hydrogels, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) difference spectroscopy indicated the presence of significant H-bonding interactions between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the side chains of the polymers. Such interactions are larger in the PVP-co-PAM copolymers than in the IPN hydrogels, thereby causing an additional source of the slower release kinetics in the copolymer hydrogels as revealed by the Peppas model, albeit both types of the networks followed a non-Fickian transport mechanism.     

Periodontal delivery of ipriflavone: new chitosan/PLGA film delivery system for a lipophilic drug

The aim of the present work was to design a film dosage form for sustained delivery of ipriflavone into the periodontal pocket.For this purpose, monolayer composite systems made of ipriflavone loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) micromatrices in a chitosan film form, were obtained by emulsification/casting/evaporation technique. Multilayer films, made of three layers of polymers (chitosan/PLGA/chitosan), were also prepared and compared to monolayer films for their "in vitro" characteristics. Morphology and physico-chemical properties of the different systems were evaluated. The influence of pH, ionic strength and enzymatic activity on film degradation, was also investigated. Significant differences in swelling, degradation and drug release were highlighted, depending on film structure and composition. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the composite micromatricial films represent a suitable dosage form to prolong ipriflavone release for 20 days.     

Preparation and characterization of superporous hydrogels as gastroretentive drug delivery system for rosiglitazone maleate

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Many drugs which have narrow therapeutic window and are absorbed mainly in stomach have been developed as gastroretentive delivery system. Rosiglitazone maleate, an anti-diabetic, is highly unstable at basic pH and is extensively absorbed from the stomach. Hence there is a need to develop a gastroretentive system. In this study a superporous hydrogel was developed as a gastroretentive drug delivery system. METHODS: Chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) interpenetrating polymer network type superporous hydrogels were prepared using a gas foaming method employing glyoxal as the crosslinking agent for Rosiglitazone maleate. Sodium bicarbonate was applied as a foaming agent to introduce the porous structure. Swelling behaviors of superporous hydrogel in acidic solution were studied to investigate their applications for gastric retention device. The optimum preparation condition of superporous hydrogels was obtained from the gelation kinetics. FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, porosity and swelling ratio studies were used to characterize these polymers. In vitro drug release studies were also carried out. RESULTS: The introduction of a small amount of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) enhanced the mechanical strength but slightly reduced the swelling ratio. The prepared superporous hydrogels were highly sensitive to pH of swelling media, and showed reversible swelling and de-swelling behaviors maintaining their mechanical stability. The degradation kinetics in simulated gastric fluid showed that it had biodegradability. Swelling was dependent on the amount of chitosan and crosslinker. The drug release from superporous hydrogels was sustained for 6 hrs. MAJOR CONCLUSION: The studies showed that chitosan-based superporous hydrogels could be used as a gastroretentive drug delivery system for rosiglitazone maleate in view of their swelling and prolonged drug release characteristics in acidic pH.     

Novel Natrosol/Pectin-co-poly (acrylate) based pH-responsive polymeric carrier system for controlled delivery of Tapentadol Hydrochloride

Background & ObjectivesThis study aimed to create a controlled delivery system for Tapentadol Hydrochloride by developing interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of Natrosol-Pectin copolymerized with Acrylic Acid and Methylene bisacrylamide, and to analyze the effects of various ingredients on the physical and chemical characteristics of the IPNs.MethodsNovel Tapentadol Hydrochloride-loaded Natrosol-Pectin based IPNs were formulated by using the free radical polymerization technique. Co-polymerization of Acrylic Acid (AA) with Natrosol and Pectin was performed by using Methylene bisacrylamide (MBA). Ammonium persulfate (APS) was used as the initiator of crosslinking process. The impact of ingredients i.e. Natrosol, Pectin, MBA, and Acrylic Acid on the gel fraction, porosity, swelling (%), drug loading, and drug release was investigated. FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM and EDX studies were conducted to confirm the grafting of polymers and to evaluate the thermal stability and surface morphology of the developed IPNs.ResultsSwelling studies exhibited an increase in swelling percentage from 84.27 to 91.17% upon increasing polymer (Natrosol and Pectin) contents. An increase in MBA contents resulted in a decrease in swelling from 85 to 67.63%. Moreover, the swelling was also observed to increase with higher AA contents. Significant drug release was noted at higher pH instead of gastric pH value. Oral toxicological studies revealed the nontoxic and biocompatible nature of Natrosol-Pectin IPNs.Interpretation & ConclusionThe developed IPNs were found to be an excellent system for the controlled delivery of Tapentadol Hydrochloride.     

Properties of sustained release hot-melt extruded tablets containing chitosan and xanthan gum

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pH, buffer species and ionic strength on the release mechanism of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) from matrix tablets containing chitosan and xanthan gum prepared by a hot-melt extrusion process. Drug release from hot-melt extruded (HME) tablets containing either chitosan or xanthan gum was pH and buffer species dependent and the release mechanisms were controlled by the solubility and ionic properties of the polymers. All directly compressed (DC) tablets prepared in this study also exhibited pH and buffer species dependent release. In contrast, the HME tablets containing both chitosan and xanthan gum exhibited pH and buffer species independent sustained release. When placed in 0.1N HCl, the HME tablets formed a hydrogel that functioned to retard drug release in subsequent pH 6.8 and 7.4 phosphate buffers even when media contained high ionic strength, whereas tablets without chitosan did not form a hydrogel to retard drug release in 0.1N HCl. The HME tablets containing both chitosan and xanthan gum showed no significant change in drug release rate when stored at 40 °C for 1 month, 40 °C and 75% relative humidity (40 °C/75% RH) for 1 month, and 60 °C for 15 days.     

Novel microparticle drug delivery systems based on chitosan and Eudragit(®)RSPM to enhance diltiazem hydrochloride release property

The aim of this study was to enhance the release properties of diltiazem hydrochloride (diltiazem HCl) by using microparticle system. For this reason, microparticle drug delivery systems based on chitosan and Eudragit(?)RSPM were developed. The microparticles were prepared by using double-emulsion solvent extraction method and the mean sizes of microparticles were less than 120?μm. The in vitro drug release from microparticles was studied in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal media (pH 7.4) than the results were evaluated by kinetically. In vitro diltiazem HCl release from microparticles showed good zero order kinetic. For the microparticles with chitosan, the release of diltiazem HCl at pH 1.2 could be effectively sustained, while the release of diltiazem HCl increased at pH 7.4 when compared to Eudragit(?)RSPM microparticles. The highest release percent obtained was 1:1 ratio of drug: polymer at pH 1.2 and 7.4. All results clearly suggest that the release properties of diltiazem HCl were improved by using microparticle systems especially which contain chitosan.     

Designing polymeric microparticulate drug delivery system for hydrophobic drug quercetin

The aim of this study was to investigate pharmaceutical potentialities of a polymeric microparticulate drug delivery system for modulating the drug profile of poorly water-soluble quercetin. In this research work two cost effective polymers sodium alginate and chitosan were used for entrapping the model drug quercetin through ionic cross linking method. In vitro drug release, swelling index, drug entrapment efficiency, Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) studies were also done for physicochemical characterization of the formulations. Swelling index and drug release study were done at a pH of 1.2, 6.8 and 7.4 to evaluate the GI mimetic action which entails that the swelling and release of the all the Formulation1 (F1), Formulation2 (F2) and Formulation3 (F3) at pH 1.2 were minimal confirming the prevention of drug release in the acidic environment of stomach. Comparatively more sustained release was seen from the formulations F2 & F3 at pH 6.8 and pH 7.4 after 7 h of drug release profiling. Drug entrapment efficiency of the formulations shows in F1 (D:C:A = 2:5:30) was approximately 70% whereas the increase in chitosan concentration in F2 (D:C:A = 2:10:30) has shown an entrapment efficiency of 81%. But the comparative further increase of chitosan concentration in F3 (D:C:A = 2:15:30) has shown a entrapment of 80% which is not having any remarkable difference from F2. The FTIR analysis of drug, polymers and the formulations indicated the compatibility of the drug with the polymers. The smoothness of microspheres in F2 & F3 was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). However F1 microsphere has shown more irregular shape comparatively. The DSC studies indicated the absence of drug-polymer interaction in the microspheres. Our XRD studies have revealed that when pure drug exhibits crystalline structure with less dissolution profile, formulated microparticles can help us to obtain amorphous form of the same drug that is likely to have more dissolution property. The findings of the study suggest that the microsphere formulations were a promising carrier for quercetin delivery and can be considered as a favorable oral controlled release dosage form for hydrophobic drug quercetin.     

Study of the prolonged release of theopylline from polymeric matrices based on grafted chitosan with acrylamide

The aim of this work was to study the performance of chitosan (CB) grafted with acrylamide (CB-g-A) as prolonged drug release matrix as compared with unmodified chitosan. A non-pH dependent swelling behaviour for the matrix tablets based on grafted chitosan was observed. The overlaping between degree of swelling measured by weighing (DSw) and measured by increase of diameter (DSd) up to 240 minutes showed that the swelling process could be isotropic. The non-pH dependent swelling behaviour of these matrices could be explained by the partial substitution of amine groups of the chitosan chain by acrylamide. The grafting reaction provides an ionizable amine group by a neutral amide group which make the matrix non pH-dependent. On the contrary, the matrix tablet based on chitosan showed a pH dependent swelling behaviour where the swelling process could be anisotropic. The higher degree of erosion and swelling of the formulation based on CB-g-A600 (%G = 600) compared with the formulation based on chitosan and CB-g-A418 (%G = 418) could explain the higher fraction of theopylline released. For all formulations studied in this work, the amount of theopylline released from the matrix tablets was found to be controlled by a combination of the diffusion process and relaxation of the polymeric structure. These results match with the controlled swelling behaviour and low degree of erosion observed for these systems.     

Novel pH-sensitive hydrogels for colon-specific drug delivery

The purpose of this study is to develop novel intestinal specific drug delivery systems with pH-sensitive swelling and drug release properties. Acryloyl ester of 5-[4-(hydroxy phenyl) azo] salicylic acid (HPAS) as an azo derivative of 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) was prepared under mild conditions. The HPAS was covalently linked with acryloyl chloride, abbreviated as APAS. Cubane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (CDA), linked to two 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) groups, was the cross-linking agent (CA). Methacrylic-type polymeric prodrugs were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of methacrylic acid, poly(ethyleneglycol monomethyl ether methacrylate), and APAS in the presence of cubane cross-linking agent. The effect of copolymer composition on the swelling behavior and hydrolytic degradation were studied in simulated gastric (SGF, pH 1) and intestinal fluids (SIF, pH 7.4). The composition of the cross-linked three-dimensional polymers was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The hydrolysis of drug–polymer conjugates was carried out in cellophane membrane dialysis bags containing aqueous buffer solutions (pH 1 and pH 7.4) at 37°C. Detection of the hydrolysis product by UV spectroscopy shows that the azo prodrug (HPAS) was released by hydrolysis of the ester bond located between the HPAS and the polymer chain. Drug release studies showed that the increasing content of MAA in the copolymer enhances hydrolysis in SIF. These results suggest that pH-sensitive systems could be useful for preparation of a muccoadhesive system and controlled release of HPAS as an azo derivative of 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA).     

Preparation and characterization of free mixed-film of pectin/chitosan/Eudragit RS intended for sigmoidal drug delivery.

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) film between pectin as an anionic polyelectrolyte and chitosan as a cationic species was prepared by blending two polymer solutions at weight ratio of 2:1 and then solvent casting method. Besides pectin/chitosan PEC film, Eudragit RS, pectin/Eudragit RS and pectin/chitosan/Eudragit RS films were also prepared by aforementioned method. In mixed-film formulations, a fixed weight ratio of 1:5 of pectin or pectin/chitosan complex to Eudragit RS was used. Characterizations of pectin/chitosan interaction in solution were investigated by turbidity and viscosity measurement and in the solid state by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was observed that the swelling profile of pectin/chitosan film was pH-dependent and its swelling ratio in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 7.4 was about 2.5-fold higher than that of PBS pH 6.0. Formulation containing only pectin/chitosan could not protect free film from high swelling in the aqueous media, therefore, Eudragit RS as a water-insoluble polymer must be included in the mixed-film. The formation of PEC between pectin and chitosan resulted in a decrease in the crystallinity and thermal stability caused by the interactions between polyions. Drug permeation or diffusion studies were carried out using Plexiglas diffusion cell consisting of donor and acceptor compartments. Theophylline was selected as a model drug to measure permeability coefficient. Drug permeation through pectin/chitosan/Eudragit RS showed a sigmoidal pattern; whereas drug diffusion through pectin/Eudragit RS and Eudragit RS films followed a linear characteristic. The drug permeation through the ternary mixed-film showed a burst release upon exposure to PBS pH 6.0. This mixed-film formulation showed the potential for sigmoidal drug delivery with an initial, controllable slow release followed by a burst release immediately after the change in pH. The burst drug permeation might possibly be due to change in film's porosity.     

Design,development and optimization of oral colon targeted drug delivery system of azathioprine using biodegradable polymers

The present study was aimed at designing a microflora triggered colon targeted drug delivery system (MCDDS) based on swellable polysaccharide, Sterculia gum in combination with biodegradable polymers with a view to specifically deliver azathioprine in the colonic region for the treatment of IBD with reduced systemic toxicity. The microflora degradation properties of Sterculia gum was investigated in rat caecal phosphate buffer medium. The polysaccharide tablet cores were coated to different film thicknesses with blends of Eudragit RLPO and chitosan and overcoated with Eudragit L00 to provide acid and intestinal resistance. Swelling and drug release studies were carried out in simulated gastric fluid, SGF (pH 1.2), simulated intestinal fluid, SIF (pH 6.8) and simulated colonic fluid, SCF (pH 7.4 under anaerobic environment), respectively. Drug release study in SCF revealed that swelling force of the Sterculia gum could concurrently drive the drug out of the polysaccharide core due to the rupture of the chitosan/Eudargit coating in microflora activated environment. The degradation of chitosan was the rate-limiting factor for drug release in the colon. Drug release from the MCDDS was directly proportional to the concentration of the pore former (chitosan), but inversely related to the Eudragit RLPO coating thickness.     

Novel microparticle drug delivery systems based on chitosan and Eudragit®RSPM to enhance diltiazem hydrochloride release property

The aim of this study was to enhance the release properties of diltiazem hydrochloride (diltiazem HCl) by using microparticle system. For this reason, microparticle drug delivery systems based on chitosan and Eudragit^®RSPM were developed. The microparticles were prepared by using double-emulsion solvent extraction method and the mean sizes of microparticles were less than 120?µm. The in vitro drug release from microparticles was studied in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal media (pH 7.4) than the results were evaluated by kinetically. In vitro diltiazem HCl release from microparticles showed good zero order kinetic. For the microparticles with chitosan, the release of diltiazem HCl at pH 1.2 could be effectively sustained, while the release of diltiazem HCl increased at pH 7.4 when compared to Eudragit^®RSPM microparticles. The highest release percent obtained was 1:1 ratio of drug: polymer at pH 1.2 and 7.4. All results clearly suggest that the release properties of diltiazem HCl were improved by using microparticle systems especially which contain chitosan.     

Release dynamics of ciprofloxacin from swellable nanocarriers of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate): an in vitro study

Swellable polymeric nanosystems have emerged as promising materials in drug release technologies. Such systems have shown potential in releasing antibiotic drugs and to do so controllably. In the present investigation poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanoparticles were synthesized by suspension polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform–infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and surface charge measurements. The synthesized nanoparticles were swellable in water and showed promise to function as a swelling controlled-release system. The release kinetics of drug-loaded particles was studied in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) using ciprofloxacin as a model antibacterial drug. The chemical stability of the pure and released drug was also assessed in PBS (pH 7.4), acidic (pH 1.8), and alkaline (pH 8.6) solutions. The in vitro blood compatibility of nanoparticles was also investigated in terms of hemolysis tests. The drug-loaded nanoparticles were also examined for their antibacterial and blood-compatible behaviors.From the Clinical EditorSwellable polymeric nanosystems have emerged as promising materials in drug release technologies. In this paper, the release kinetics, antimicrobial properties and in vitro “blood compatibility” is reported for a specific swellable polymeric nanosystem.     

Pectin‐based microspheres for colon‐specific delivery of vancomycin

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe a colon‐specific delivery system based on pectin hydrogels formed by complexation with chitosan. Methods Hydrogels were prepared at different weight ratios (4: 1, 7: 1, 10: 1; pectin/chitosan), loaded with vancomycin hydrochloride (2: 1, 4: 1; polymer/drug weight ratio) and collected by spray‐drying. The microspheres obtained were characterized in terms of morphology, swelling behaviour, mucoadhesive properties and drug loading efficiency. The influence of different pectin/chitosan hydrogels on the release behaviour of microspheres at pH 2.0, 5.5 and 7.4 were evaluated in vitro with and without pectinolytic enzyme. Key findings The results showed that water uptake was increased by raising the environmental pH (from 2.0 to 7.4) and the pectin/chitosan weight ratio, while drug availability was increased by raising the environmental pH (from 2.0 to 7.4) and decreased by raising the pectin/chitosan weight ratio. In the presence of pectinase, the glycoside bonds of pectin were degraded and a considerable amount of drug was released in a short time. Conclusions This study suggested that pectin/chitosan microspheres were able to limit the release of vancomycin under acidic conditions and release it under simulated colonic conditions, confirming their potential for a colon‐specific drug delivery system.