β-Cyclodextrin Modified Hydrogels of Kappa-Carrageenan for Methotrexate Delivery

This work is aimed at developing a kappa-carrageenan (kCR) gel with increased methotrexate (MTX) content. beta-Cyclodextrin (beta CD), which is able to inclusion complex formation with MTX, has been used to increase the drug concentration in the hydrogel. The rheological behavior of the designed gels was investigated and the influence of MTX and beta CD on the viscoelastic properties of kCR gel was studied in detail. The effect of beta CD and its concentration on the MTX-releasing rate from the kCR gels was examined. The properties of kappa- and iota-carrageenans loaded with MTX were compared and the differences observed were explained in terms of different binding affinities of MTX to these polymers. The obtained gels provided desirable viscoelastic properties useful for topical application.

Automated summary

This study aims to develop a kCR gel with increased MTX content by using beta CD to increase drug concentration. The rheological behavior of the designed gels and the influence of MTX and beta CD on their viscoelastic properties were investigated. The effect of beta CD and its concentration on MTX release rate from kCR gels was examined. The differences in properties between kappa- and iota-carrageenans loaded with MTX were explained based on different binding affinities of MTX to these polymers.