Tailoring a salep-g-p(VP-co-AA)/Ag NPs superabsorbent single network hydrogel for enhanced pH-responsive delivery of deferasirox

Iron overload disorders pose significant therapeutic challenges due to the poor aqueous solubility, gastric instability, and erratic bioavailability of conventional Deferasirox (DFX) formulations. To address these limitations, a pH-responsive nanocomposite superabsorbent single network hydrogel (SNH), comprising salep-grafted p (VP-co-AA) with embedded Ag NPs, was developed as an oral delivery system for DFX. This SNH exhibits pH-dependent properties, maintaining structural integrity and restricting drug release at pH 2.0 (gastric conditions) while achieving sustained release of up to 94 % over 12 h at pH 6.0–7.4 (intestinal conditions). Optimization of synthesis parameters, including ratios of salep, VP to AA, and Ag NPs, yielded a superabsorbent material with a swelling capacity of 755.6 g/g. Characterization via FT-IR, TGA-DTG, DSC, XPS, XRD, EDX, FESEM, TEM, and AFM confirmed successful grafting, uniform Ag NPs distribution, and a robust 3D network structure. This system enhances DFX bioavailability and efficacy by preventing premature degradation in acidic environments and ensuring targeted intestinal release, reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, SNH offers a versatile platform for the controlled, stimuli-responsive delivery of various bioactive agents.