Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of cellulose-based hydrogel films for controlled levofloxacin release with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography validation

The increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient drug delivery systems has catalyzed interest in biocompatible materials like cellulose-based hydrogels. This study presents the development and optimization of cellulose-based hydrogel films for the controlled release of levofloxacin, addressing challenges in drug stability and targeted delivery. The films, synthesized using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and polyethylene glycol, were confirmed via FTIR analysis to involve physical cross-linking and hydrogen bonding. SEM analysis revealed that the composition significantly impacts surface morphology and pore structure, with higher CMC content producing larger micropores due to electrostatic interactions. Employing a central composite design under response surface methodology, the mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation, and swelling, were optimized for performance and efficiency. A refined RP-HPLC method, validated for high accuracy, precision, and sensitivity, demonstrated recovery rates between 97.69% and 99%, providing a reliable and time-efficient tool for levofloxacin quantification. Drug release studies indicated that polymer composition plays a critical role in release kinetics, with higher HPMC content promoting faster release and higher CMC content enabling sustained release, aligning with the Peppas model for a diffusion-relaxation-erosion mechanism. This study highlights the innovation of integrating cellulose-based hydrogels with validated, cost-effective analytical methods to deliver a scalable, time-efficient drug delivery solution. The findings offer valuable insights into the development of advanced drug delivery systems, demonstrating the potential of these hydrogels for broader therapeutic applications.