RSM-CCD optimized microwave-assisted synthesis of chitosan and gelatin-based pH sensitive, inclusion complexes incorporated hydrogels and their use as controlled drug delivery systems

Abstract

The present study proposes the synthesis and optimization of a hybrid polymer network, consisting of chitosan, gelatine cross-linked by glutaraldehyde under microwave conditions. Backbone ratio, amount of solvent, pH, time and concentration of crosslinker are taken as process variables and optimized with RSM in order to maximize the percentage swelling. ANOVA model fits were made for the data and gave the linear model as the best fit with a predicted R2 = 0.9747. The maximum desirability was found at pH = 7 with the percentage swelling of 508.061%. β-cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide containing at least 7 D-(+) glucopyranose units attached by α-(1, 4) glucosidic bonds. Its tendency to form host-guest complexes promoted its application as a drug carrier. Poor loading of drug in traditional drug delivery is improved by incorporating preformed inclusion complex of Atenolol with β-cyclodextrin (1:1) under microwave conditions directly into the HPN matrix. Further, HPN matrix was explored for the in situ controlled release of ATL under different pH conditions at 37° C. ATL release showed the best fit to the Ritger-Peppas and Peppas-Sahlin equation. Thus HPN prepared by using RSM design is a good device to deliver the ATL in a controlled manner.