Preparation and characterization of camptothecin-loaded alginate/poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] hydrogel beads for anticancer treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACTEncapsulation of poor water-soluble drugs into a biocompatible polymeric matrix is a good strategy for in vitro drug delivery. Present study deals with the preparation and optimization of alginate/poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] beads (SA/pHPMA) for the delivery of an anticancer drug such as camptothecin (CPT). Beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation technique using calcium chloride and optimized concentrations of 10 w/v% of sodium alginate beads and 10:10 w/v% of poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide]:sodium alginate (SA/pHPMA) beads were prepared. Twenty ppm of CPT was incorporated into the beads by the imbibition method. XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry studies of the beads showed no free pHPMA and CPT indicating their uniform dispersion into the matrix. FTIR analysis showed weak interaction between CPT and polymers. In vitro release of CPT from SA/pHPMA beads showed slow and sustained release of 80% while SA beads showed 62% retaining the shape of the beads in phosphate-buffered saline at pH 7.4. The presence of CPT inside the prepared beads has the potential to be used as soft bandages for treatment of cancer.