Ibuprofen-Loaded PEGDMA/CNS Nanocomposite Hydrogels: A Drug Release Study

Nanocomposite hydrogels using poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) as matrix, cellulose nanosphere (CNS) as reinforcing filler, and ibuprofen as model drug was prepared by UV-curing. Gel content was found to decrease with the addition of CNS to the hydrogel matrix. The water uptake analysis demonstrated that the hydrogels exhibit a higher water absorption over time when CNS is present. Entrapment efficiency analysis showed that ibuprofen was entrapped uniformly in the nanocomposite hydrogels. Drug release tests revealed that the inclusion of CNS caused a delay in the initial burst release of ibuprofen from the polymeric system. The drug's migration into the dissolution fluid is determined by the rate at which water infiltrates and the erosion of the hydrogel. Incorporating CNS into the hydrogel matrix enhances its density and creates attractive forces for the drug, hence enhancing the properties of the hydrogel matrix.