pH-Responsive Super-Porous Hybrid Hydrogels for Gastroretentive Controlled-Release Drug Delivery

Abstract

Super-porous hydrogels are considered a potential drug delivery network for the sedation of gastric mechanisms with retention windows in the abdomen and upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, a novel pH-responsive super-porous hybrid hydrogels (SPHHs) was synthesized from pectin, poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2HEMA), and N, N methylene-bis-acrylamide (BIS) via the gas-blowing technique, and then loaded with a selected drug (amoxicillin trihydrate, AT) at pH 5 via an aqueous loading method. The drug-loaded SPHHs-AT carrier demonstrated outstanding (in vitro) gastroretentive drug delivery capability. The study attributed excellent swelling and delayed drug release to acidic conditions at pH 1.2. Moreover, in vitro controlled-release drug delivery systems at different pH values, namely, 1.2 (97.99%) and 7.4 (88%), were studied. These exceptional features of SPHHs—improved elasticity, pH responsivity, and high swelling performance—should be investigated for broader drug delivery applications in the future.

Hydrogel-exosome system in tissue engineering: A promising therapeutic strategy

“…pH-responsive mechanisms in hydrogel systems for exosome release have exploited their ability to change states like swelling, shrinking, or dissolving at specific pH levels. Key polymers like polyacrylic acid (PAA), polymethacrylic acid (PMAA), and polyhistidine have been employed for this purpose [ 204 , 205 ]. The design of such hydrogels will necessitate ensuring exosome's compatibility and stability across pH changes and tailoring the system to the pH of targeted body sites.…”

Expanding the Manufacturing Approaches for Gastroretentive Drug Delivery Systems with 3D Printing Technology

“…Superporous hydrogels have the same principle as expandable systems, but they consist of a superporous cross-linked hydrophilic polymer, which is characterized by a rapid swelling ratio of 1:100 or more, much higher and quicker than polymers in swelling systems [ 5 , 64 ]. The polymers used are either superabsorbant polymers (SAPs) or superporous hydrogels (SPHs).…”

“…In addition to a cross-linked polymer, a superporous hydrogel system also contains the following ingredients: initiator, cross-linkers, foam stabilizers, and foaming aids or agents [ 6 ]. When superporous hydrogels encounter the water from the gastric fluid, a phenomenon called capillary wetting occurs through the system’s large open pores (as a result of swelling), which increases the contact surface between the dosage form and the gastric fluid; thus, better drug bioavailability will be ensured [ 5 , 6 , 64 ]. As a result of the rapid swelling property of the superporous polymer, peristaltic waves are incapable of forcing the dosage form through the pyloric sphincter; thus, a prolonged gastric retention of the system is ensured.…”

“…Although they seem to provide successful results, a major drawback of these systems can be their possible accumulation in the stomach, which can also lead to serious implications for the patient; so, a fast biodegradation process of the excipients is needed after drug release to prevent further complications [23,41]. Superporous hydrogels have the same principle as expandable systems, but they consist of a superporous cross-linked hydrophilic polymer, which is characterized by a rapid swelling ratio of 1:100 or more, much higher and quicker than polymers in swelling systems [5,64]. The polymers used are either superabsorbant polymers (SAPs) or superporous hydrogels (SPHs).…”

Superporous Hydrogel: A Novel Approach for Safe Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System

“…This study shows excellent swelling and delayed drug release at different pH 1.2 (97.99%) and 7.4 (88%). 26 Chintalapati V.S. and Gopinath, developed SPH using varying concentrations of two distinct polymers polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan , and a crosslinking agent glutaraldehyde to get the desired controlled release profile and shown extended gastro-retention up to 18 h, with a lag time 11-16 min.…”