Assessing the pH responsive and mucoadhesive behavior of dexamethasone sodium phosphate loaded itaconic acid-grafted-poly(acrylamide)/carbopol semi-interpenetrating networks

Here, we developed, dual responsive itaconic acid-grafted-poly(acrylamide)/carbopol (IA-g-poly(AAm)/CP) semi interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) by free radical polymerization in the presence of N, N-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) and ammonium per sulphate (APS) as crosslinker and initiator, respectively. The synthesized crosslinked hydrogels were initially studied for effect of various formulation ingredients and their concentrations on swelling and mucoadhesive. C1 was chosen as optimum formulation that showed adequate mucoadhesive strength and furthermore revealed minimum swelling at pH 1.2 and maximum at pH 7.4. FTIR indicated at development of semi-IPN network with successful grafting of IA. Surface of hydrogel was rough with few drug particles on surface. C1 released minute quantity of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) at pH 1.2, while maximum of drug was released at pH 7.4 by non Fickian diffusion. Toxicological and hemocompatibility tests confirmed bio-safety and hemocompatibility of prepared semi-IPN hydrogels. So, in future prepared semi-IPN hydrogels can be safely employed for targeted and controlled delivery of DSP for possible therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.