Sodium alginate/poly (ethylene oxide) blend hydrogel membranes for controlled release of valganciclovir hydrochloride

Sodium alginate (SA) and poly (ethylene oxide) PEO blend membranes were prepared by solvent casting method for the controlled release of valganciclovir hydrochloride, an antiHIV drug. The prepared membranes were thin, flexible, smooth, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile strength measurement. FTIR was used to understand the formation of hydrogen bonding between SA and PEO. The DSC and X-RD studies were performed to understand the crystalline nature of drug after encapsulation into the membranes. SEM was used to study the surface morphology of the membranes. Tensile strength measurements revealed the mechanical strength of the membranes. In vitro release studies indicated a dependence of release rate on the extent of crosslinking, amount of drug loading, and the amount of PEO, but slow release rates was extended up to 12 h. Cumulative release data were fitted onto to an empirical equation to compute diffusional exponent (n), which indicated the nonFickian trend for drug release.