Stimuli-Responsive Biopolymer Carboxymethyl Tamarind-Based Hydrogel Composite Impregnated With IONPs for Sustained Administration of Levofloxacin.
pH-sensitive polymeric hydrogels are considered promising candidates for oral drug delivery because they can respond to changes in the surrounding environment or adapt to the biological environment. In the present study, novel hydrogel composites were developed via free radical polymerization using biogenically (Citrus limetta peel extract) synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) as fillers, carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum as a biopolymer, and poly(acrylamide) to form the polymeric network of CMTG-PAM-IONPs hydrogel composite for levofloxacin delivery. The prepared hydrogel composites were characterized, and swelling studies were carried out to evaluate the influence of IONPs on the swelling behavior of the hydrogels. The results showed that the effect of IONPs on swelling became more noticeable when the nanoparticle concentration in the hydrogel formulation was increased up to approximately 0.02 g. In addition, the gel content and porosity of the hydrogels were determined, and the levofloxacin drug loading capacity was calculated. The in vitro drug release studies were performed at pH 1.2 and pH 7.4 at 37°C to simulate gastric and intestinal conditions. The drug release mechanism was studied. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity results indicated that the prepared hydrogel composites have potential for biomedical applications, particularly as pH-responsive carriers for oral drug delivery.