Preliminary study for the development of potent hydrogels for local drug delivery applications

Abstract

Currently, design and development of formulations for the oral cavity and local application is a rather challenging process since the components should be non-irritant and provide relief. Hydrogels-based drug delivery systems have been proposed as suitable candidates for oral mucosal (eg, buccal, sublingual, palatal, gingival) and local (dermal) drug delivery (eg, wound dressings). Herein, the hydrogels were prepared by Carbopol 934, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as well as their combination blends to develop efficient hydrogels with tunable activities. The hydrogels were characterized in terms of tensile testing, and physicochemical properties (pH, clarity). Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to evaluate any possible interactions between the components or any newly developed by-products which can lead to toxicity. The F2/F5 formulation, pH (5.86±0.084), viscosity (13305±1209), firmness (39.92±0.77), consistency (356.27±9.01), cohesiveness (-28.58±0.81), and work of cohesion (-231.31±15.02) values were found to be the most suitable formulation. According to the results and the use of biocompatible ingredients, the prepared hydrogels present promising characteristics being suitable candidates for mouth application. Future studies will involve the loading of active molecules and studying their properties.