Innovations in the development of water-soluble polymer systems for drug delivery.

Abstract

This study focuses on developing and investigating innovative water-soluble polymer systems based on sodium alginate for drug delivery, specifically for con trolled lidocaine release. A novel hydrogel was formulated with a unique compo sition, including sodium alginate, azithromycin, lidocaine, and levomenthol, among other auxiliary components. These hydrogels exhibit a significant capacity for water absorption, directly proportional to the sodium alginate concentration. Enhanced moisture retention was observed, attributed to the proposed hydrogel composition and its excipients. The hydrogels demonstrate non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic be havior, with viscosity dependent on both sodium alginate concentration and tem perature; an increase in temperature notably reduces hydrogel viscosity. Further more, the research confirms the feasibility of controlled and prolonged drug release, particularly for lidocaine, with approximately 60% of lidocaine released within 60 minutes and over 80% within 90 minutes. Ultimately, optimizing sodium alginate concentration and controlling temperature allow for the targeted regulation of key hydrogel properties, including water absorption, viscosity, and release kinetics. These findings highlight the broad potential for applying sodium alginate-based hy drogels in the pharmaceutical industry to create advanced controlled-release sys tems, especially for lidocaine delivery