Controlled delivery of valsartan by cross-linked polymeric matrices: Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The purpose of study was to develop chemically cross-linked chitosan-co-poly(AMPS) hydrogel based on low molecular weight chitosan for pH-responsive and controlled drug delivery of a model drug. Cross-linking was achieved chemically, by using free radical polymerization technique. Polymer (low molecular weight chitosan) was chemically cross-linked with monomer (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) in aqueous medium. N, N′-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) was used as cross-linking agent. Sodium hydrogen sulfite (SHS) and ammonium peroxodisulphate (APS) were used as initiators in a chemical reaction. Hydrogels were characterized by FT-IR, SEM and DSC. Swelling studies and pH-sensitivity of hydrogels were studies at pH 1.2 and 7.4. Chitosan-co-poly(AMPS) hydrogels were administered to rabbits orally to evaluate its pharmacokinetic behavior. As a result of successful cross-linking of polymer and monomer, novel co-polymer has been developed, having suitable characteristics as desired for controlled release drug delivery system. Maximum swelling, drug loading and release have been observed at pH 7.4. In vivo results exhibited significant drug release and absorption at pH 7.4 in rabbits. It is concluded that highly swelling chitosan-AMPS based hydrogels were developed having pH independent swelling and pH dependent drug release properties. These hydrogels have great potential to be used for loading and controlled release of various therapeutic agents.