Sodium Alginate and Gelatin Hydrogels: Viscosity Effect on Hydrophobic Drug Release

Blend of biodegradable hydrogels like sodium alginate/gelatin (SA/G) usually requires use of chemical cross-linkers to remain stable in aqueous media for drug delivery applications. This study targets the feasibility of having an entire spectrum of a model hydrophobic drug (piperine) release i.e. from burst to controlled release, by varying polymer viscosity and molecular weight of plasticizer with minimal use of cross-linkers. Swelling study, drug-polymer interactions and morphology analysis reveal the impact of viscosity variation on polymer matrix