Abstract

The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize citric acid crosslinked hydrogel films of carboxymethyl cellulose-tamarind gum for topical drug delivery. The hydrogel films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid state 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter. The prepared hydrogel films were evaluated for the carboxyl content and equilibrium swelling ratio. Moxifloxacin hydrochloride was loaded into these hydrogel films and drug release was monitored in the phosphate buffer pH 7.4. Hemolysis assay was used to study biocompatibility of hydrogel films. Results of the attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid state 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance and differential scanning calorimeter confirmed the formation of citric acid-crosslinked hydrogel films. Total carboxyl content of hydrogel film was found to be increased when polymer ratio and amount of citric acid was increased. In contrast, swelling of hydrogel film was found to be decreased with increase in polymer ratio and amount of citric acid. Batch B1 showed highest drug loading with non-Fickian release mechanism. All remaining batches showed non-Fickian release behavior with diffusion coefficient greater than 0.5. Results of hemolysis assay indicated that the citric acid crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose-tamarind gum hydrogels were safe to be used in drug delivery. These results indicated that the citric acid crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose-tamarind gum composite hydrogel films has the potential to be used in topical novel drug delivery systems.