Dextrin/poly (HEMA): pH responsive porous hydrogel for controlled release of ciprofloxacin

Herein, we report an oral route administration for ciprofloxacin hydrochloride delivery using dextrin and poly (2-hydroxyethyl methylacrylate) based crosslinked hydrogel (c-Dxt/pHEMA). Various characteristics such as FTIR spectra, XRD analyses, UV-VIS-NIR spectra, FESEM and E-SEM analyses, rheological characteristics, gel kinetics, deswelling characteristics as well as biodegradation study of the hydrogel have been carried out. FTIR, XRD along with solid state UV-VIS-NIR analyses explain the good compatibility between the drug and the hydrogel matrix. The in vitro release study demonstrates that c-Dxt/pHEMA releases ciprofloxacin in a sustained way (33.75% of drug has been released in 18 h) and is expected to be a promising matrix for ciprofloxacin carrier. The release kinetics and mechanism suggest that drug release follows first order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Finally, the hydrogel shows excellent physical stability as carrier for ciprofloxacin up to 3 months.