Synthesis and Characterization of Sodium Alginate and Polyacrylamide Based Hydrogel for Effective Encapsulation and Release of Pharmaceutical Agents

Abstract

This thesis investigates the synthesis, characterization, and applications of synthetic malleable hydrogels, specifically focusing on Sodium Alginate/Polyacrylamide (SA/PAAM) hydrogels for drug delivery systems in medical and cosmetic fields. The study highlights the development of stretchable hydrogels engineered for the controlled release of therapeutic agents, with Riboflavin (vitamin B2) serving as a model drug. The hydrogels exhibit a remarkable average swelling ratio of six times their dry volume when fully loaded, demonstrating their capacity to sustain the controlled release of pharmaceuticals. Release studies indicate that peak concentrations occur approximately 24 hours post-administration, following a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Additionally, the research explores the encapsulation of antidepressant medications, specifically Venlafaxine Hydrochloride and Paroxetine Hydrochloride, utilizing the Free Radical Polymerization method. The synthesized hydrogels exhibited high porosity and excellent swelling properties, critical for maximizing drug encapsulation efficiency. Comprehensive drug release studies revealed sustained release profiles for both antidepressants, suggesting a controlled release mechanism advantageous for long-term therapeutic applications. The findings underscore the potential of SA/PAAM hydrogels as effective drug delivery platforms, with implications for improved patient compliance and treatment efficacy. Future research will focus on optimizing the hydrogel formulation to enhance drug loading and release kinetics, paving the way for advanced applications in drug delivery systems.