Biodegradable and pH-sensitive hydrogels for potential colon-specific drug delivery: characterization and in vitro release studies

Biomacromolecules. 2008 Jan;9(1):43-9. doi: 10.1021/bm700716c. Epub 2007 Dec 1.

Abstract

A novel pH-sensitive and biodegradable composite hydrogel, based on a methacrylated and succinic derivative of dextran, named Dex-MA-SA, and a methacrylated and succinic derivative of alpha,beta-poly( N-2-hydroxyethyl)- DL-aspartamide (PHEA), named PHM-SA, was produced by photocross-linking. The goal was to obtain a colon-specific drug delivery system, exploiting both the pH-sensitive behavior and the colon-specific degradability. The hydrogel prepared with a suitable ratio between the polysaccharide and the polyaminoacid was characterized regarding its swelling behavior in gastrointestinal simulated conditions, chemical and enzymatic degradability, interaction with mucin, and cell compatibility on CaCo-2 cells. Moreover, 2-methoxyestradiol was chosen as a model of anticancer drug and release studies, were performed in the absence or in the presence of dextranase and esterase. The obtained hydrogel, due to its pH-sensitive swelling and enzymatic degradability, together with mucoadhesion and cell compatibility, could be potentially useful as system for the oral treatment of colonic cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Colon / metabolism*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
  • Mucins / chemistry
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Mucins