pH-Sensitive acrylic acid grafted Abelmoschus esculentus composite for sustained release of pantoprazole sodium

The research presents a pH-sensitive acrylic acid-grafted hydrogel (graft composite) derived from Abelmoschus esculentus mucilage (AEM) to improve therapeutic outcomes in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm successful grafting with a porous structure favorable for drug loading. Drug release studies showed slower PAS release under acidic conditions and faster release under alkaline conditions, mimicking the pH variations of the gastrointestinal tract. Release kinetics confirmed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, exhibiting non-Fickian diffusion behavior, especially in the alkaline medium, with R² value ranging from 0.9874 to 0.9989. Biocompatibility assessments, including cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and acute oral toxicity tests, demonstrated that the graft composite is safe for use. In vivo studies confirmed an increase in the half-life of PAS from 1.119 to 4.395 h. This pH-sensitive delivery system offers a promising approach for the controlled, targeted release of PAS in the colon, enhancing therapeutic efficacy for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The successful development of this grafted composite represents a significant advancement in biocompatible, controlled drug delivery for gastrointestinal disorders.