Synthesis and characterization of pH-sensitive chemically crosslinked block copolymer [Hyaluronic acid/Poloxamer 407-co-poly (Methacrylic acid)] hydrogels for colon targeting
Sobia Noreen, Fahad Pervaiz, Munazza Ijaz, Hina Shoukat
Abstract
This research aims to develop a chemically crosslinked novel pH-sensitive interpenetrating network (IPN) of hyaluronic acid/Poloxamer 407-co-poly (Methacrylic acid) for the targeting of 5-fluorouracil at colonic receptors. Thermal stability, crystalline nature, presence of functional groups, in vitro release, and mucoadhesive studies were investigated. At pH 7.4, hydrogels swelled more and released more drugs than at pH 1.2, indicating that produced hydrogels are pH-sensitive for colon targeting. An acute oral toxicity assessment on rabbits revealed that the hydrogels were biocompatible with the biological system. As a result, manufactured hydrogels could be used to deliver 5-fluorouracil in a regulated and targeted manner.