Radiation Synthesis of Stimuli Responsive Micro-porous Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Release of Aspirin

Abstract

A novel thermo- and pH-sensitive hydrogels based on N-isopropylacrylamide and containing acrylic acid (mono carboxylic), oxalic acid (oxalic) (dicarboxylic), and citric acid (citric) (tricarboxylic) have been prepared using mutual radiation technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the structure of the prepared hydrogels. The surface morphology of the hydrogels was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Swelling percent found to be decreased with the increase in the temperature. It was proved that the prepared hydrogels were extremely sensitive to both temperature and pH. The possibility of using such hydrogels as a drug carrier was estimated using acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as a model drug. The drug release in pH 6.8 was more than that in pH 2. Owing to its considerable drug release, good swelling, it might be useful for its application as a drug delivery system in small intestine.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Aspirin-controlled delivery
• Mono, Di, Tri-carboxylic acid
• PNIPAAm