DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL GELATIN/POLYACRYLAMIDE/CMTKG HYDROGEL FOR DELIVERY OF AMPICILLIN SODIUM

Abstract

This research focuses on developing pH-responsive hydrogels using a blend of gelatin, polyacrylamide (PAM), and carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG), loaded with the hydrophilic drug ampicillin sodium. Optimization of the formulation involved varying cross linker, and initiator amounts, aiming to enhance the swelling ratio. Characterization techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FTIR) were employed to analyze the fabricated hydrogel. Swelling behavior and drug release profiles were assessed in both acidic (pH 1.2) and alkaline (pH 7.4) buffer solutions. The synthesized hydrogels demonstrated more favorable outcomes under alkaline conditions. Kinetic modeling data supported the suitability of the Korsmeyer-Peppas model in explaining the drug release mechanism, with observations suggesting Fickian diffusion at pH 1.2 and non-Fickian diffusion at pH 7.4. Hence, the Gelatin/PAM/CMTKG hydrogel exhibits promising potential for tailored release of ampicillin sodium in response to pH variations, holding significant implications for targeted drug delivery applications.