Sodium alginate and gelatin hydrogels: Viscosity effect on hydrophobic drug release

• Sodium alginate/gelatin (SA/G) hydrogels studied for oral drug delivery.
• Role of viscosity in controlling dissolution of non-cross-linked hydrogels.
• Minimal use of toxic cross-linkers like glutaraldehyde (GTA) in the hydrogel.
• Effect of viscosity on hydrophobic drug encapsulation and drug release.
• Impact of plasticizer Mw (PEG) on drug loading and burst release.

Blend of biodegradable hydrogels like sodium alginate/gelatin (SA/G) usually requires use of chemical cross-linkers to remain stable in aqueous media for drug delivery applications. This study targets the feasibility of having an entire spectrum of a model hydrophobic drug (piperine) release i.e. from burst to controlled release, by varying polymer viscosity and molecular weight of plasticizer with minimal use of cross-linkers. Swelling study, drug-polymer interactions and morphology analysis reveal the impact of viscosity variation on polymer matrix.