Microwave assisted vanillin crosslinked chitosan/polycarbophil superporous hydrogels for biomedical application: Optimization and characterization

Abstract

Among the numerous macromolecules used in the formulation of superporous hydrogels, naturally occurring polysaccharides like chitosan, alginate, psyllium etc., offer better sustainable building blocks with improved characteristics. Present research work emphasis on development, optimization and characterization of novel superporous hydrogel containing microwave assisted vanillin crosslinked chitosan/polycarbophil (CVP). The preparation of CVP superporous hydrogels was systematically optimized using full factorial design. Optimized CVP superporous hydrogels were subjected for FTIR, DSC and XRD. Residual solvent analysis was performed by gas chromatography. Surface morphology was analysed using SEM. Optimized CVP superporous hydrogel showed good swelling in a pH ranging from 1 to 8 and can be prepared in desired shape and size. FTIR studies revealed the presence of desirable interactions between the polymers. DSC thermograms exhibited differences in comparison to individual polymer thermograms. Residual solvent analysis by gas chromatography method revealed concentration of acetone, in formulation was within permissible limits as per the ICH guidelines. SEM images clearly revealed the formation of the interconnected pores and capillary channels throughout out the formulation. Overall, the current study signifies that the optimized CVP superporous hydrogel formulation can be successfully formulated and employed for regulated delivery of drugs to the GI tract, buccal cavity, colon, vaginal, and rectal region for both local and systemic action for varied therapeutic purposes because of its ability to swell faster in wide range of pH.