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.