Evaluation of Poly(agar-Co Oil) Organo-Hydrogel as a Controlled Release System Carrier Support Material

Abstract

The aim of this study was to synthesize organo-hydrogels, by using agar, glycerol and different amounts of castor oil in one step, with biocompatible, blood-compatible and antioxidant properties using a new approach to the synthesis of smart polymers. Then, the target was to investigate the applicability of these organo-hydrogels as a drug release system. In the synthesis of organo-hydrogels, crosslinking was achieved with MBA or GA reagent and the redox polymerization technique was applied in the emulsion medium. The swelling behaviors of organo-hydrogels, which were synthesized using different crosslinkers and varying amounts of castor oil, were investigated in different solvent systems (ethanol, acetone, ethanol/DI water (1:1), acetone/DI water (1:1) and gasoline) and in different pH (2.0-12) media. In addition, FTIR, antioxidant, blood clotting and hemolysis analyses were evaluated in light of the results obtained. In the last stage of the study, drug-loaded organo-hydrogels were synthesized by the direct drug loading method and used as a drug delivery vehicle. Vitamin D-3, which is of great importance in the human body and used as an antibiotic, was selected as a model drug. Release studies were carried out in different pH media because various areas of the human body were the main targets in this study and the plan was to provide controlled release of the drug substance in these regions. The pH values of these regions were important in terms of application. Therefore, pH (2.0-12) values for various parts of the human body were imitated in the laboratory environment and release behaviors were examined in experimental studies. It can be said that the synthesized organo-hydrogels were suitable for use as drug transport systems in light of the obtained results.