Comparative Study of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels: Rheological and Texture Properties and Ibuprofen Release

Abstract

Polysaccharides are attractive gelling agents in pharmacy due to their safety, biocompatibility, biodegradability, relatively easy way of preparation, and low price. Due to their variable physical-chemical properties, polysaccharides have potentialities to be used for designing new drug delivery systems for controlled drug release. In this comparative study, rheological and texture properties as well as the in vitro release of model drug ibuprofen (IBU) with 11 polysaccharide-based hydrogels were investigated. The in vitro release of IBU significantly differed between (i) neutral (hydroxy/alkylcelluloses), (ii) anionic (carboxyalkylcellulose and its sodium salt, tragacanth, carrageenan, xanthan gum), and (iii) cationic (chitosans) hydrogels due to different contribution of provided interactions and viscosity within the hydrogel groups. The drug release kinetics of each hydrogel system was evaluated for five kinetic models. Several combinations of cationic hydrogels with neutral or anionic ones were performed to illustrate possibilities of providing modified IBU release profiles. In this context, chitosan was presented as an effective modifier of diffusion profiles for negatively charged drugs formulated into combined polymeric systems, providing their prolonged release. The most appropriate hydrogel for the topical application (i.e., providing favorable rheological and texture properties along with the highest drug release) was selected from a studied series of polysaccharide-based hydrogels.

Release of Tretinoin Solubilized in Microemulsion from Carbopol and Xanthan Gel: In Vitro versus Ex Vivo Permeation Study

“…Xanthan gum is an anionic polysaccharide biopolymer derived from microorganisms [ 59 ]. It is produced by the fermentation activity of the Gram-negative bacteria Xanthomonas campestris under aerobic conditions in a sterile environment [ 60 ].…”

Correlation between Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Polyphenol-Laden Xanthan Gum/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Cryogels

“…Shear thinning, non-Newtonian behavior, and enhanced elasticity have also been demonstrated for terpolymeric hydrogels consisting of XG, poly(acrylic acid), and poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) by applying some rheological models such as Bingham, modified Bingham, and Ostwald power laws [ 44 ]. A complex study evaluated the rheological and texture properties of different types of hydrogels comprised of neutral (hydroxy/alkylcelluloses), anionic (carboxyalkylcellulose and its sodium salt, tragacanth, carrageenan, XG), or cationic (CS) polysaccharides designed for drug delivery applications [ 45 ]. It was concluded that the in vitro release of the encapsulated drug significantly varied due to the different viscoelastic properties and to the contribution of the interactions occurring within the polysaccharide-based hydrogels [ 45 ].…”

“…A complex study evaluated the rheological and texture properties of different types of hydrogels comprised of neutral (hydroxy/alkylcelluloses), anionic (carboxyalkylcellulose and its sodium salt, tragacanth, carrageenan, XG), or cationic (CS) polysaccharides designed for drug delivery applications [ 45 ]. It was concluded that the in vitro release of the encapsulated drug significantly varied due to the different viscoelastic properties and to the contribution of the interactions occurring within the polysaccharide-based hydrogels [ 45 ].…”

Synthesis and study of organo‐modified silica based hydrogels: Rheological properties and drug release kinetics

“…The optimum rheological properties contribute to easy mixing, spreading and injection, retention on the skin, packing and removal from containers, and so forth. Besides, it was found that the viscosity of hydrogels may affect drug delivery and the skin penetration of incorporated actives 31,32 . Another aspect is the ability of the hydrogel composites to control drug release.…”

“…Besides, it was found that the viscosity of hydrogels may affect drug delivery and the skin penetration of incorporated actives. 31,32 Another aspect is the ability of the hydrogel composites to control drug release. It is clear that the controlled release promotes increasing efficiency and safety of drug formulations.…”