Fabrication of Interpenetrating Polymer Network-Based Hydrogel for Colon-Targeted Release of Nateglinide

Nateglinide is an anti-diabetic agent that experiences modest first-pass metabolism and poor aqueous solubility. This paper explores the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of interpenetrating polymer network composite hydrogels of chitosan and poly(meth(methacrylic)) acid as a potential carrier for the drug. Interpenetrating polymer network composite hydrogels of chitosan and poly(meth(methacrylic) acid incorporating nateglinide were prepared using N,Nꞌ-methylene bisacrylamide and glutaraldehyde as cross-linkers. The polymerization of chitosan, entrapment of the drug, and its interaction in prepared hydrogels were checked by FTIR spectroscopy, DSC, and powder XRD studies. The hydrogels were evaluated for their swelling behavior and in vitro drug release. The morphology of the hydrogels before and after dissolution was studied using SEM. The hydrogels showed a 93.29 ± 4.65% yield and 91.28 ± 2.22% drug loading. The hydrogels exhibited pH-sensitive swelling behavior. The in vitro release profile confirmed that the drug release depended on the swelling of hydrogels and showed a biphasic release pattern. Chitosan-poly(meth(methacrylic)) acid interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel, with its biodegradable nature and pH-sensitive release of nateglinide, is an attractive option to be further explored for targeted controlled drug delivery formulations for the drug.