Preparation and characterisation of Dextran-70 hydrogel for controlled release of praziquantel

Abstract

A hydrogel was developed from 70 kDa dextran (DEX-70) and praziquantel (PZQ) incorporated as a model drug. Biopharmaceutical properties, such as solubility and dissolution rate, were analysed in the design of the hydrogel. Furthermore, the hydrogel was also characterized by IR spectroscopy and DSC. Tests of the swelling rate showed that the hydrogel swelled slowly, albeit faster than the rate for the free polymer. In dissolution tests, the hydrogel released the drug slowly and continuously. This slow release was similar to that observed in the swelling tests and resulted in controlled release of the drug. Thus, this dextran is a suitable polymer for the development of hydrogels as vehicles for the controlled release of drugs.Uniterms: Hydrogel/development. Hydrogel/biopharmaceutical properties. Dextran/hydrogel development. Praziquantel/controlled release. Hydrogel/swelling test.Um hidrogel foi desenvolvido a partir de dextrano 70 kDa (DEX-70) e praziquantel incorporado (PZQ) como fármaco modelo. Propriedades biofarmacêuticas, como solubilidade e velocidade de dissolução, foram analisadas no desenvolvimento do hidrogel. Além disso, o hidrogel também foi caracterizado por espectroscopia na região do infravermelho e calorimetria diferencial exploratória (DSC). Testes da taxa de intumescimento mostraram que o hidrogel intumesce lentamente, embora tenha sido mais rápido do que a taxa do polímero livre. Nos testes de dissolução, o hidrogel liberou o fármaco lenta e continuamente. Esta liberação lenta foi semelhante a observada nos testes de intumescimento e resultou em uma liberação controlada do fármaco. Assim, o dextrano 70 kDa é um polímero adequado para o desenvolvimento de hidrogéis como veículos para a liberação controlada de fármacos.Unitermos: Hidrogel/desenvolvimento. Hidrogel/propriedades biofarmacêuticas. Dextrano/ desenvolvimento de hidrogel. Praziquantel/liberação controlada. Hidrogel/teste de intumescimento.

Effect of 70-kDa and 148-kDa dextran hydrogels on praziquantel solubility

“…In this process, the ethyl alcohol helps in solubilization of the drug and affects the crosslinking process of the polymer, contributing to the occurrence of weak molecular interactions between the polymer chains. The water, on the other hand, facilitates hydrogel formation and incorporation of the drug, concluding the process of obtaining formulations [28]. Thus, it can be seen that the process of obtaining hydrogels was successful, proving a practical, inexpensive and efficient method of achieving this type of drug delivery system.…”

“…The incorporation of praziquantel into hydrogels (HG) was achieved by the solvent casting process, as in the method developed by Campos [28]. Briefly, PZQ was dissolved by stirring in a water-ethanol solution at a ratio of 7:5 (ethanol: water).…”

“…Hydrogels were prepared according to the methodology used in previous work. Drug and polymer were solubilized in a hydroalcoholic solution and then submitted to a solvent casting process [28]. In this process, the ethyl alcohol helps in solubilization of the drug and affects the crosslinking process of the polymer, contributing to the occurrence of weak molecular interactions between the polymer chains.…”

“…In previous studies by our research team [28], dextran 70 kDa hydrogel containing praziquantel was developed and DSC proved important for elucidating and furthering knowledge about the changes in the solubility of praziquantel and the mechanism of drug release. According to DSC curves, a weak interaction between the drug and the polymer was observed, which could lead to slightly lower solubility, influence the swelling profile and, consequently, prolong praziquantel release [28].…”

“…According to DSC curves, a weak interaction between the drug and the polymer was observed, which could lead to slightly lower solubility, influence the swelling profile and, consequently, prolong praziquantel release [28]. Drawing on the data obtained, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of an improvement in solubility of the poorly water-soluble drug.…”