Iranian Polymer Journal | 2021
A biological magnetic nano-hydrogel based on basil seed mucilage: study of swelling ratio and drug delivery
Abstract
Basil seed with mucilage shell contains carbohydrates (BSG) which can be extracted to produce natural hydrogel compatible with the human body. In this study, a magnetic natural hydrogel was synthesized by copolymerization between the double bonds of vinyl-modified Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles, methacrylic acid (MA) as a monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker monomer, and vinylated BSG through free radical addition polymerization for delivery of naproxen (NPX) as a model drug. The product of each reaction step was identified by FTIR technique and the morphology of nanoparticles and magnetic nano-hydrogels was investigated using the SEM technique. SEM image analysis of dry magnetic hydrogels shows the existence of a porous structure with pore size in the range of 100–300 nm. The porosity of the hydrogels used in drug delivery systems can be useful in producing a large surface area, enhancing water absorption, and facilitating drug release. The swelling behavior of nano-hydrogels, a significant feature for drug delivery systems, was investigated at different pHs in buffer solutions. Also, drug loading and delivery experiments were performed by monitoring the concentration of loaded and released NPX by absorption at 245 nm on a UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The cumulative release behavior of hydrogels was investigated and the in vitro NPX release was achieved in the range of 98% at pH 7.4 after 24 h.