Innovative Biodegradable Polymer Hydrogel Beads for Enhanced Controlled Drug Delivery:  Formulation and Characterization

Pawan Singh¹* ^, Keshav Raj², Alankar Shrivastav ¹ and Vijay Sharma ¹

¹Faculty of Pharmacy, IFTM University, Moradabad, U. P., India

²School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IFTM University, U. P., India

Corresponding Author E-mail:Pawansingh690@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/3317

ABSTRACT: To address this, our research pioneers the development of Cefixime-loaded controlled-release hydrogel beads using biodegradable polymers, an innovative approach designed to optimize antibiotic delivery and combat resistance. This study's novelty lies in utilizing chitosan, a natural, biocompatible polymer, for sustained drug release in the gastric environment. The hydrogel beads were engineered through ionic gelation, with tripolyphosphate (TPP) acting as the crosslinking agent, allowing for a stable, controlled release formulation. Key analyses included FTIR spectroscopy for structural confirmation, drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) for measuring Cefixime retention, and in vitro release studies to assess the extended-release profile. This research contributes to the field of controlled drug delivery systems by offering a practical solution to prolong antibiotic efficacy, particularly in regions facing high rates of bacterial resistance. The application of such a system could revolutionize treatment strategies, minimizing resistance development while ensuring effective drug levels over extended periods. The entrapment efficiency of hydrogel beads with Cefixime trihydrate ranged from 92.17±0.92% to 61.82±0.45%. Among all formulations, F3 demonstrated sufficient drug release in vitro. Kinetic analysis revealed that all formulations had an n (release exponent) value greater than 1, indicating super Case II transport, in which the swelling and erosion of the polymer matrix controlled the drug release rate.

KEYWORDS: Biodegradable drug carriers; Crosslinking in hydrogel formation; Controlled release; Gelation process in hydrogels; Kinetic profile; In-vitro drug release

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