Novel pH-responsive chitosan/sodium alginate/PEG based hydrogels for release of sodium ceftriaxone

pH-sensitive hydrogels have gained attraction in many biomedical fields. In this study, pH-sensitive hydrogels based on polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan/sodium alginate/PEG with 1,4-diaminobutane as a cross-linking agent were blended by solution casting method. FTIR was conducted to study the interactions among the polymer chains and crosslinker. The influence of the cross-linker concentration on the swelling behavior of the hydrogels was studied. SEM images exhibited the spongy hydrogel matrix and the drug entrapped in the hydrogel is also observed in drug loaded sample. TGA was conducted to check the effect of cross-linking density on the thermal stability of the hydrogel matrix. The release profile of sodium ceftriaxone (CTX) as a model drug in the solutions of PBS, SGF and SIF was investigated. In SGF, drug was released more than 10% in 30 min, while in PBS and SIF, the drug was released in a controlled manner. The comparison of UV spectra of pure and released drug confirmed its chemical stability in the developed hydrogels. The release profile according to the pharmacopeia standards designated the prepared hydrogels as a suitable candidate for drug release applications. • Chitosan based hydrogels were prepared for the pH-sensitive drug release profile. • Chitosan, sodium alginate and PEG were cross-linked using 1,4-diamino butane. • Their swelling behaviour was performed in water, buffers and ionic solutions. • FTIR and SEM analyses were performed to study the crosslinking among the components of hydrogels. • Sodium ceftriaxone was used as a model drug and its release was studied in different solutions of SGF, PBS and SIF.