Cross‐Linked Sodium Alginate‐g‐poly(Acrylic Acid) Structure: A Potential Hydrogel Network for Controlled Delivery of Loxoprofen Sodium

• Published in: Advances in polymer technology Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 985 - 995
• Main Authors: Khalid, Ikrima, Ahmad, Mahmood, Usman Minhas, Muhammad, Barkat, Kashif, Sohail, Muhammad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.06.2018
• Subjects: Acrylic acid; Acrylics; Ammonium peroxodisulfate; Drug delivery systems; Ethylene glycol; Hydrogel; Hydrogels; Loxoprofen sodium hydrate; pH‐responsive; Porosity; Sodium; Sodium alginate; Stability analysis; Swelling ratio; Thermal stability
• ISSN: 0730-6679; 1098-2329
• DOI: 10.1002/adv.21747

A series of sodium alginate‐graft‐poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels (SA‐g‐pAA hydrogels) were synthesized with sodium alginate (SA) and acrylic acid (AA) in aqueous solution, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross‐linker and ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS) as an initiator. Hydrogels were evaluated for thermal stability (TGA & DSC), revealing their higher strength toward thermal variation as compared to individual components. SEM micrographs show smooth and solid outer surface with a lack of porosity on it. FTIR results revealed the grafting reaction of AA on SA. Hydrogels were then evaluated for pH responsive behavior by equilibrium swelling ratio and swelling dynamics at low and high pH. Furthermore, these cross‐linked networks were also tested for the release of Loxoprofen sodium hydrate (LSH). Drug was loaded by diffusion method and showed pH‐dependent drug release characteristics. Korsmeyer–Peppas model is the best fit model to explain drug release from the cross‐linked network. Maximum swelling, drug loading, and release has been observed at pH 7.4. It is concluded that highly stable SA and AA based polymeric matrixes are developed. These polymeric matrixes have potential to be used as a carrier for controlled delivery of LSH.