Development and characterization of stimuli responsive quince gum/β-CD grafted poly (methacrylate) hydrogels for controlled delivery of acyclovir

The current study was designed to fabricate and evaluate pH sensitive nexus for controlled delivery of acyclovir by employing two different hydrophilic polymers β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and Quince seed gum. QSG-β-CD-co-poly (methacrylate) hydrogels were successfully developed by free radical polymerization technique employing methacrylic acid (MAA) and N , N , methylene bisacrylamide as monomer and crosslinker, respectively. Prepared QSG-β-CD-co-poly (methacrylate) based nexus was characterized for gel fraction, equilibrium swelling (%), compatibility, thermal analysis, morphology, drug release pattern and toxicological screening in rabbits. The successful grafting of the network was confirmed by FTIR and XRD findings. Thermal stability of developed network was evident by DSC and TGA findings. Results of SEM confirmed the porous structure of the grafted system. Efficient loading of acyclovir into the hydrogels and elemental composition was determined by EDX studies. Pronounced acyclovir release was noticed at pH 7.4 while very less percent of drug was released at acidic pH evidencing the pH responsiveness of network. Acute toxicity studies depicted that formulated nexus was non-toxic and did not show any sign of ocular, skin, oral toxicity. Based on the results, β-CD and quince seed gum-based carrier system was proved to be biocompatible and pH responsive that can be efficiently employed for delivery of acyclovir in controlled fashion. Graphical abstract