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Abstract
The study aimed to synthesize dexibuprofen (DXIBN) solid dispersions (SDS)-loaded hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and co-acrylic acid (AA)-based oral hydrogels via a modest solvent evaporation technique. Free radical polymerization technique was used to prepare HPMC-co-AA hydrogels using EGDMA as cross-linker and ammonium per sulfate as initiator. SDS of DXIBN were prepared using Soluplus® (SLPS®) as a solubilizing agent. The solubility of pure DXIBN and the respective SDS was analyzed in phosphate buffer solutions (PBS) at varying pH (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4 pH) at temperatures (25 and 37 °C). The physiochemical characterizations: swelling analysis, diffusion co-efficient, porosity and sol-gel analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), swelling behavior and release studies (at pH 1.2 and 7.4) were steered. The solubility was found to be significantly (p < .05) improved up to twofolds as compared to pure DXIBN. The hydrogels with higher concentrations of HPMC and AA showed significant (p < .05) increase in swelling, whereas there was a significant (p < .05) decrease with higher concentration of cross-linker EGDMA. The release kinetics applied trailed overall the non-Fickian release mechanism. The existing work exhibited was found to be improved DXIBN solubility using Soluplus via SDS technique and a stable HPMC-co-AA DXIBN release retardant hydrogel as an exceptional safer tool for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Acknowledgment
The authors acknowledge the kind support of Amir Ilyas, Senior Manager, Research and Development, Wilshire Pharma, Lahore, Pakistan, for providing the raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredient DXIBN. The authors also recognize the generous upkeep of Dr Muhammad Adeel, Assistant Professor, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Gomal University, Pakistan, for his guidance regarding the synthesis of hydrogel through cross-linking.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.