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The aim of the present exploration was to develop novel pH-sensitive cross-linked Gelatin/Polyvinyl pyrrolidone hydrogels using different ratios of both the polymers and to investigate the effect of polymers and degree of crosslinking on dynamic, equilibrium swelling and invitro release pattern of the model drug (captopril). Grafting polymerization technique was used for the preparation of these hydrogels using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. These polymeric materials were then used as model systems to envisage various important characterizations like FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phosphate buffers of pH 1.2, 6.5 and 7.5 were used for swelling and invitro drug release profile investigation. Different parameters like swelling analysis, porosity, sol-gel analysis, average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), solvent interaction parameter (χ), volume fraction of polymer (V2,s) and diffusion coefficient that affects the drug release behavior were also determined. Higher swelling and release was observed at lower pH values. FTIR spectra showed interaction between gelatin and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and successful formation of cross-linked structure. Pulsatile drug release study showed the controlled delivery of model drug. The release of drug occurred through non-fickian diffusion or anomalous mechanism. Aforementioned characterizations reveal successful formation of copolymer. pH sensitive swelling ability and drug release behavior suggest that the rate of polymer chain relaxation and the rate of drug diffusion from these hydrogels are comparable which also predicts their possible use for site specific captopril delivery.

Eudragit E 100 and polycaprolactone (PCL) floating microspheres for enhanced gastric retention and drug release were successfully prepared by oil in water solvent evaporation method. Metronidazole benzoate, an anti-protozoal drug, was used as a model drug. Polyvinyl alcohol was used as an emulsifier. The prepared microspheres were observed for % recovery, % degree of hydration, % water uptake, % drug loading, % buoyancy and % drug release. The physico-chemical properties of the microspheres were studied by calculating encapsulation efficiency of microspheres and drug release kinetics. Drug release characteristics of microspheres were studied in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid i.e., at pH 1.2 and 7.4 respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to reveal the chemical interaction between drug and polymers. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to study the morphology of the synthesized microspheres.