Nanocomposite Hydrogel Films Based on Sequential Interpenetrating Polymeric Networks as Drug Delivery Platforms

Abstract

In this study, novel materials have been obtained via a dual covalent and ionic crosslinking strategies, leading to the formation of a fully interpenetrated polymeric network with remarkable mechanical performances as drug delivery platforms for dermal patches. The polymeric network was obtained by the free-radical photopolymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone using tri(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether as crosslinker in the presence of sodium alginate (1%, weight%). The ionic crosslinking was achieved by the addition of Zn2+, ions which were coordinated by the alginate chains. Bentonite nanoclay was incorporated in hydrogel formulations to capitalize on its mechanical reinforcement and adsorptive capacity. TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were also included in two of the samples to evaluate their influence on the morphology, mechanical properties and/or the antimicrobial activity of the hydrogels. The double-crosslinked nanocomposite hydrogels presented a good tensile resistance (1.5 MPa at 70% strain) and compression resistance (12.5 MPa at a strain of 70%). Nafcillin was loaded into nanocomposite hydrogel films with a loading efficiency of up to 30%. The drug release characteristics were evaluated, and the profile was fitted by mathematical models that describe the physical processes taking place during the drug transfer from the polymer to a PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) solution. Depending on the design of the polymeric network and the nanofillers included, it was demonstrated that the nafcillin loaded into the nanocomposite hydrogel films ensured a high to moderate activity against S. aureus and S. pyogenes and no activity against E. coli. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the presence of zinc ions in these polymeric matrices can be correlated with the inactivation of E. coli.

Advances in Therapeutic Contact Lenses for the Management of Different Ocular Conditions

“…Although there has been considerable interest in areas such as liquid crystal contact lenses [20][21][22], the number of research articles in these areas remains relatively low in comparison to other technologies. Double-network/interpenetrating hydrogels create a new composite gel by linking the gel networks of two gels [23]. Instead of a typical copolymer gel, the network of one gel is interlaced with the network of the other gel, as long as they have the same functional groups [24].…”

Application of the Quality by Design Concept (QbD) in the Development of Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Systems

“…With all the advantages that hydrogel carriers have, there are also challenges in their manufacturing and drug loading, including controlled gelation temperature, controlled drug release rate from the hydrogel-based system [7], drug content uniformity in several similar systems, the good appearance of the drug product, the elasticity and mechanical strength of the hydrogel-based carrier [8], the time required for gelation, and many other such challenges. Therefore, to produce a hydrogel-based pharmaceutical system with proper performance, a reliable strategy to control all these challenges is required.…”