Polymer, Vol.102, 153-166, 2016
An unprecedented dual responsive gelation of Carbopol induced by Pluronic P123 triblock copolymer
We present a dynamic dual responsive biocompatible composite hydrogel based on Carbopol (CBP) and P123 in presence of salt. The P123 could induce gelation of Carbopol in otherwise nongelled 1% CBP (in presence of salt) even below its pKa which it is believed to make its delivery system viable in strongly acidic environment like gut. The gelation properties of the gel can be tuned in a desired manner by altering polymeric concentrations, pH and temperature in order to tailor the system for delivery applications. The hydrogel when investigated for Naproxen release shows no burst release of the drug, significant for efficient drug delivery system. Different kinetic models fitted to the release data revealed diffusion predominant release at pH 7.4 and relaxation predominant release at pH 4. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.