PLA Microspheres-Embedded PVA Hydrogels Prepared by Gamma-Irradiation and Freeze-Thaw Methods as Drug Release Carriers

Abstract

A drug delivery system based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels containing ibuprofen-loaded poly (lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres was developed to improve the release kinetics of this model drug. Gamma-irradiation and freeze-thawing were applied to prepare poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogels. Properties and morphology of these composite hydrogels were investigated using FTIR, DSC, and SEM. In vitro release indicated that entrapment of the microspheres into the PVA hydrogels causes a reduction in both the release rate and the initial burst effect. PLA microspheres entrapped into the PVA hydrogels showed more suitable controlled release kinetics for drug delivery.

Keywords:

• Drug delivery
• freeze-thaw
• gamma irradiation
• PLA microspheres
• PVA hydrogel

Acknowledgments

The author Susan Dadbin would like to acknowledge the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Radiation Applications School of the Nuclear Science and Research Institute of Iran for gamma irradiation.