Controlled and targeted delivery of diclofenac sodium to the intestine from pH-Responsive chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) interpenetrating polymeric network hydrogels

pH-Responsive hydrogels comprised of chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) were explored for the controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium (DS) to the intestine. To regulate the drug delivery, preformed solid inclusion complex of DS with -cyclodextrin (-CD) was added into the hydrogels. Negligible drug release was observed in the simulated gastric fluid and sustained release in the intestinal fluid. The preliminary kinetics revealed that the drug release follows anomalous transport mechanism which is influenced by the presence of -CD. The pH-specific release behavior of these hydrogels suggests them to be ideal candidates for oral controlled delivery of DS to the intestine.