Functionalization of psyllium to develop bioactive network hydrogels for sustained drug delivery

Abstract

Recently, bioactive natural fibers have been explored to develop the materials for biomedical applications. Herein this research work, functionalization of psyllium has been carried out to develop hydrogels for sustained drug delivery applications. Copolymeric hydrogels were prepared by copolymerization of poly(methacrylic acid) (MAAc) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with psyllium by grafting reactions. The grafted product was characterized through SEMs, AFM, FTIR, C¹³-NMR, and TGA techniques. Physiochemical and biomedical properties of hydrogels were evaluated. Sustained diffusion of doxycycline in occurred through the non-Fickian diffusion mechanism and release profile of drug was best fitted in the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Copolymers have exhibited pH responsive behavior and demonstrated antioxidant, biocompatible and mucoadhesive nature. Overall, findings suggested the suitability of psyllium based hydrogels for drug delivery applications to gastrointestinal tract with enhanced potential.