Title:A Smart Hydrogel from Salvia spinosa Seeds: pH Responsiveness, On-off
Switching, Sustained Drug Release, and Transit Detection
Volume: 20
Issue: 3
Author(s): Arshad Ali, Muhammad Ajaz Hussain*, Muhammad Tahir Haseeb, Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari*, Gulzar Muhammad, Fatima Akbar Sheikh, Muhammad Farid-ul-Haq and Naveed Ahmad
Affiliation:
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University,
Aljouf, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
Polysaccharides, stimuli-responsiveness, pH-sensitivity, sustained release, smart hydrogel, Kanocha mucilage, Salvia spinosa hydrogel.
Abstract:
Background: The use of synthetic and semi-synthetic materials in drug delivery systems has
associated drawbacks like costly synthesis, toxicity, and biocompatibility issues. Therefore, there is a
need to introduce novel materials to overcome such issues. Naturally occurring and water-swellable
polysaccharides are advantageous in overcoming the above-mentioned issues. Therefore, we are reporting
a novel hydrogel (SSH) isolated from the seeds of Salvia spinosa as a sustained release material.
Methods: SSH was explored for its pH-dependent and salt-responsive swelling before and after compression
in a tablet form. Stimuli-responsive swelling and deswelling were also monitored at pH 7.4 and
pH 1.2 in deionized water (DW) and normal saline and DW and ethanol. The sustained-release potential
of SSH-based tablets was monitored at gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pH. The transit of SSH tablets was
ascertained through an X-ray study.
Results: The swelling of SSH in powder and tablet form was found in the order of DW > pH 7.4 > pH
6.8 > pH 1.2. An inverse relation was found between the swelling of SSH and the concentration of the
salt solution. The SSH showed stimuli-responsive swelling and de-swelling before and after compression,
indicating the unaltered nature of SSH even in a closely packed form, i.e., tablets. Sustained release
of theophylline (< 80%) was witnessed at pH 6.8 and 7.4 during the 12 h study following zeroorder
kinetics, and radiographic images also showed 9 h retention in GIT.
Conclusion: These investigations showed the potential of SSH as a pH-sensitive material for sustained
and targeted drug delivery.
