Preparation, Swelling, and Drug Release Studies of Chitosan-based Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery of Buspirone Hydrochloride

Background: Buspirone is used for the management of depression and anxiety disorders. Due to its short half-life and low bioavailability, it requires multiple daily doses and is associated with some side effects. Aim: This study aimed to develop chitosan-based hydrogels as drug-controlled release carriers. Objective: The objective of this study is to prepare chitosan-based hydrogels as controlled release carriers in order to overcome the side effects of buspirone HCl and improve patients' compliance and their life quality. Methods: Polymer chitosan was polymerized with two monomers, acrylic acid and itaconic acid, to synthesize pH-sensitive hydrogel. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis were performed to confirm the structure formation and thermal stability. Water penetration capability and loading of the drug were performed by porosity and drug loading studies. The swelling and dissolution tests were performed to analyze the pH-sensitive nature of the developed hydrogels. Results: FTIR, TGA, and DSC demonstrated that the chitosan-based hydrogels were successfully prepared. An increase in water penetration and drug loading into the hydrogel network was seen with the high incorporation of chitosan, acrylic acid, and itaconic acid. The swelling and dissolution studies revealed that prepared hydrogel offered the greatest swelling and drug release at a high pH of 7.4. The swelling and drug release from the hydrogel were affected by the concentrations of the incorporated contents. A controlled release of the drug was achieved by using chitosan-based hydrogel as a delivery carrier compared to commercial tablets of buspirone. Conclusion: The results showed that the developed chitosan-based hydrogel can be considered one of the most suitable drug carrier systems for the controlled delivery of buspirone.