Synthesis, Epithet and Swelling Kinetics of Co-polymeric Hydrogels

Hydrogels are polymers capable of imbibing large amounts of water maintaining their three dimensional network. Application of hydrogels for controlled drug delivery demands necessary mechanical strength, responsiveness to external stimuli, tuned to respond exactly at the target and provide drug for longer times to reduce the administration frequency. The project described in the book is concentrated upon synthesis of novel gels cross linked either physically through intermolecular forces or chemically by various cross linking agents. Different techniques like FTIR, DSC/TGA, SEM, Rheology and mechanical strength were used to have an epithet of these hydrogels. Optimization of properties was carried out with respect to external conditions like pH and temperature of the media and internal composition such that amount of hydrophilic/hydrophobic components in the gel network structure. Tramadol HCl was used as sample drug and the release kinetics was studied applying various models. It was found that these systems can be modified to be used as controlled drug delivery system in colon of GIT. The book will be helpful for research scholars of chemistry & pharmaceutical departments.