Citric acid crosslinked β-cyclodextrin/carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel films for controlled delivery of poorly soluble drugs

Citric acid crosslinked beta-cyclodextrin carboxymethylcellulose (beta CD-CMC) hydrogel films were prepared by esterification-crosslinking method for the controlled release of ketoconazole (model drug). The hydro gel films were evaluated for active beta CD content, carboxyl content, swelling ratio, drug loading and release, and hemolytic activity. The structural characterization was carried out using solid state C-13 NMR, ATR-FTIR, TGA and DSC analysis. The beta CD-CMC hydrogel films showed increase in active beta CD content swelling ratio and drug loading with increase in the concentration of beta CD in the feed. The beta CD helped to minimize the burst effect and retarded the release of ketoconazole. The hydrogel films were found to be biocompatible and capable of controlling the release of ketoconazole for long duration. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.