Preparation and characterization of tetracycline-loaded interpenetrating polymer networks of carboxymethyl cellulose and poly(acrylic acid): water sorption and drug release study

Tetracycline (TC)-loaded ionic interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were prepared and characterized by infrared spectral analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The prepared IPNs were evaluated for in vitro blood compatibility by clot formation and hemolysis methods and their water imbibitions capacity was determined. Fractional release dynamics of tetracycline was also investigated from loaded IPNs of CMC and PAA. The entrapped drug was examined for antibacterial activity and structural integrity and effects of various parameters such as percentage loading of the drug, chemical composition of the carrier IPN, pH and temperature of the release medium were investigated on the release profiles of TC. The drug was also released in different simulated biological fluids. (c) 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.