New superporous hydrogels composites based on aqueous Carbopol® solution (SPHCcs): synthesis, characterization and in vitro bioadhesive force studies

In this investigation new superporous hydrogels composites based on aqueous Carbopol® solution (SPHCcs) were prepared. SEM images indicated that the inner surface of SPHCcs contained a lot of pores connected each other and the outer surface of them was non-porous. The swelling ratio decreased with increasing the content of aqueous Carbopol® solution, and the final swelling ratio was similar to that of the SPH although the initial swelling ratio was lower. The density measurement revealed that the porosity increased when aqueous Carbopol® solution was incorporated. It was observed from in vitro bioadhesive force study that SPHCcs adhered to the intestinal mucosal more quickly and exhibited higher mucoadhesion as compared with SPH. It is evident that the hydrogels synthesized in this study could be a potential candidate for transmucosal drug delivery system.