pH-responsive smart gels of block copolymer [pluronic F127-co-poly(acrylic acid)] for controlled delivery of Ivabradine hydrochloride: its toxicological evaluation

Pluronic F127-co-poly(acrylic acid) smart gels were fabricated by using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linker. Free radical polymerization in aqueous medium was initiated by using co-initiators ammonium persulfite (APS) and sodium hydrogen sulfate (SHS). Prepared gels were characterized for pH-sensitivity and in-vitro properties. In addition effect of reactant contents on developed formulation were evaluated by swelling behavior and drug release profile. FTIR spectra revealed the formation of new polymeric network between reactant contents. SEM assay shows rough structure of polymeric matrix which increases the surface area of gel and enhance ability to uptake fluid. TGA and DSC verified that fabricated polymeric smart gels were more thermodynamically stable than pure components. Gel fractions were increased with increase in polymer, monomer and cross-linker contents. Swelling study showed the pH dependent swelling behavior at pH 6.8 of PF127-co-AA polymeric gels. Release pattern of drug followed the first order kinetics, Higuchi and Korsmayer-Peppas models. Toxicity study was also conducted on rabbits and depicted non-toxic effects to biological system. Therefore, PF127-co-AA smart gel can be a potential candidate for the controlled delivery of Ivabradine HCl without any toxic effect.