چكيده لاتين
The development of targeted drug delivery systems with controlled release can increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects. Hydrogels are a suitable option for this purpose due to their network structure and sensitivity to environmental changes. In this study, two types of pH-sensitive polymer hydrogels were synthesized for use in targeted drug delivery. In the first part, a hydrogel based on pectin polymer containing chitosan nanoparticles was prepared as a carrier for the insulin drug. Physical, chemical, and rheological tests showed that this hydrogel has a uniform structure, appropriate porosity, and desirable viscoelastic behavior. Swelling and gel fraction studies also showed that the hydrogel is stable in an acidic environment and protects insulin, but swells in an alkaline environment and releases the drug in a controlled manner. In the second part, to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of naproxen, a hydrogel was synthesized through the cross-linking polymerization of acrylic acid based on chitin polymer and polyvinyl alcohol. The drug naproxen was loaded into it, and its structure, morphology, and viscoelastic properties were evaluated through various tests. The results of structural and rheological tests showed that this hydrogel has good mechanical stability and protects the drug in a simulated gastric environment. The drug release evaluation in a simulated intestinal environment showed that about 69% of naproxen was released gradually, which indicates the high efficiency of the system in targeted and controlled drug release. Overall, the results of these two sections showed that pH-sensitive hydrogels can play an effective role as smart and non-invasive carriers in improving the effectiveness of sensitive drugs such as insulin and drugs with gastrointestinal side effects such as naproxen.
Also, in this study, due to the significant water absorption capacity of pectin-based hydrogel, its performance as a superabsorbent in the agricultural field was evaluated. The results of the absorption capacity of distilled water (about 1200 g/g), salt water (about 100 g/g), and rainwater (about 900 g/g) indicate the potential of this hydrogel for use in agricultural applications.
