Targeted release of naproxen drug in the simulated gastrointestinal environment using a pectin-based pH-sensitive hydrogel

Abstract

Naproxen is used as an analgesic agent for the alleviation of various types of pain. One of the side effects of this drug is gastrointestinal problems. Among the strategies to reduce these side effects is the use of smart hydrogels as a naproxen carrier for the passage of the drug from the stomach and its slow release in the intestine. In this study, (Ptn/PVA)-g-poly(AA) hydrogel as a drug carrier was prepared and optimized via graft polymerization of acrylic acid on pectin and polyvinyl alcohol. The naproxen drug was loaded in (Ptn/PVA)-g-poly(AA) hydrogel. A comprehensive characterization was performed using FT-IR spectroscopy for structural analysis, FESEM for morphology, and rheological measurements for viscoelastic properties of the (Ptn/PVA)-g-poly(AA) hydrogel. The drug release rates by this pH-sensitive hydrogel were evaluated in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. It was observed that the drug was protected in the simulated gastric environment, while it was released approximately 69 % under simulated intestinal conditions. The drug release mechanism for the hydrogel was fitted by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model in simulated intestinal fluid and the first-order model in simulated Colon Fluid. These results emphasize the potential of this pectin-based smart hydrogel for precise and effective drug delivery of naproxen in biological environments. © 2025