PH-Sensitive Interpenetrating Hydrogel for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

The interpenetrating hydrogels of clarithromycin were prepared by chemical crosslinking process using chitosan, poly (vinylpyrrolidone) and poly (acrylic acid) polymers and glutaraldehyde and N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinking agents. The hydrogels were evaluated for FTIR analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), drug entrapment efficiency, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling study, in-vitro drug release and mucoadhesive study. The formulation containing higher amount of chitosan showed greater swelling and drug release because of higher amount of NH2 as pendant group, which ionize at lower PH values. Finally, it was concluded that by appropriate modification of polymer ratio the extent of swelling and rate of drug release can be modulated. The result showed that IPN hydrogels prepared release the drug at lower PH value (PH 2.0) or in stomach thus maintaining antibiotic concentration in stomach for prolonged period of time.