Development Of Smart Thermo-Responsive Polymer Blends For Temperature-Triggered Release Of Poorly Water Soluble Nsaids

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' (NSAIDs) weak water solubility sometimes causes poor absorption, inconsistent therapeutic response, and recurrent doses. Drug delivery via clever thermo-responsive polymer systems seems promising. This study developed thermo-responsive polymer blends to regulate the release of a non-water-soluble NSAID. PNPAM, PEG, and HPMC were mixed to make thermo-responsive polymer blends via solvent casting and cross-linking. Water-insoluble celecoxib was chosen as the model NSAID. Drug loading, entrapment efficiency, morphology, thermal properties, gelation temperature, and in vitro drug release were characterised at 25°C, 37°C, and 40°C. To determine drug-polymer compatibility, FTIR and DSC were utilised. The low critical solution temperature (LCST) of 34.8 ± 0.6°C makes the optimised thermo-responsive formulation (TRP-4) acceptable for physiological temperature-triggered drug release. The formulation showed 12.4 ± 0.8% drug loading capacity and 89.6 ± 2.7% entrapment efficiency. According to swelling studies, thermo-induced polymer contraction reduced swelling ratio from 412 ± 18% at 25°C to 176 ± 11% at 40°C. Over 24 hours, controlled drug release studies at 25°C, 37°C, and 40°C yielded 31.4 ± 2.1%, 68.7 ± 3.5%, and 92.3 ± 4.2%, respectively. FTIR and DSC investigations confirmed celecoxib had been absorbed into the polymer matrix and that there were no drug-polymer interactions. These SEM images showed a consistently porous structure with temperature-responsive releasing behaviour. Drug release kinetics were best fit by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R² = 0.987), indicating diffusion regulation rather than anticipated mechanism. Its drug entrapment, thermal responsiveness, and controlled release qualities allowed the thermo-responsive polymer mix to release celecoxib at a temperature. Smart thermo-responsive polymer systems may increase the therapeutic efficacy and dispersion of non-water-soluble NSAIDs, according to these findings.