Abstract:
The development of drug delivery systems for targeted and controlled release has become one of the important approaches nowadays to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effect. A number of polymers have been investigated and improved to be able to promote drug absorption and control drug release kinetics. Hydrogels are crosslinked polymer networks with a promising potential in the biomedical field. Hydrogels combine bioadhesion and swelling ability thus are being used for delivery of drugs. The purpose of this study was to develop mucoadhesive hydrogel using a poly(vinyl alcohol) and xanthan gum (PVA-XG) to provide several advantages such as good elasticity, biodegradability, tissue compatibility, excellent water absorption, and provide mucoadhesive strength for the delivery of drug through mucosa. Hydrogels were prepared using a freeze-thaw method. The effect of freeze-thaw cycle and time on swelling degree, physical appearance, drug loading-release behavior, and mucoadhesive properties were investigated. The results showed that hydrogel at 2 freeze-thaw cycles with freezing time of 24 h had the greatest swelling owing to increase the crosslink density. Moreover, the hydrogel with PVA-XG ratio of 4:1 provided a maximum adhesion porcine buccal mucosa. At this ratio (4:1), the freezing time of 48 h and 24 h yielded the highest loading and release characteristics, respectively. Therefore, this could lead to the potential delivery of hydrophilic drugs through the oral mucosa to increase oral bioavailability and to provide an effective localized treatment for patients.