Development and Evaluation of Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogel for Controlled Release of Cefadroxil

Hydrogels are cross linked, three-dimensional hydrophilic polymers, which swell without dissolving when brought into contact with water or other biological fluids. The water content which makes hydrogel such a special class of materials is also responsible for their biggest disadvantage of the poor mechanical properties. Hydrogel with better mechanical properties could be obtained through the preparation of interpenetrating polymer network. Interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel of cefadroxil (antibiotic) is prepared by chemical cross linking method using chitosan and poly vinyl pyrrolidone polymers and glutaraldehyde as cross linking agent. Then, the interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel was evaluated. From Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy it was concluded that there is no interaction between exicipients and drug which confirm the stability of the drug in the formulation. In vitro drug release studies shows that interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel formulation controlled the drug release up to 36 hours. From swelling studies it is concluded formulation which is formulated can absorb large amount of water and have good swelling property. X- ray diffraction patterns recorded confirm the amorphous nature of the drug after encapsulating in formulation. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the unswollen interpenetrating polymer hydrogel appeared to be in smooth surface and swollen interpenetrating polymer hydrogel showed roughed nature and porous surface. From the in-vitro release kinetic study it was observed that data was found to fit best into the zero order release model. Stability studies were also conducted and results were found to be stable for six months at 4°C ± 2°C, 25°C±2°C/60%±5% RH and 40°C±2°C/75%±5% RH. The result showed that interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel release the drug in controlled manner for prolong period of time thus maintain the concentration of Cefadroxil in body