Interpenetrating network of gelatin/acrylamide: a binary approach for sustained release and anti-ulcerent effect of RNT

In the present study, main complication associated with duodenal ulcer is bleeding that was due to frequent use of NSAIDs, which was treated by ranitidine HCL (RNT). For the targeted release of RNT, pH-sensitive gelatin/acrylamide networks were synthesized by free radical polymerization, and the effect of different concentrations of initiator, monomer, polymer, and cross-linker on swelling was observed. Average molecular weight (Mc), volume fraction of the polymer V 2 , solvent interaction parameter, and cross-linked density were calculated. FTIR and SEM studies were performed for the interaction and morphological studies of networks. Dissolution efficiency (DE) and percentage release of RNT were analyzed in acidic media as well as in alkaline phosphate buffer pH 7.5. 80% swelling in phosphate buffer of pH 7.5 in 12 h showed inverse behavior with the concentration of cross-linker and direct relation with the gelatin. Akaike information criteria (AIC) were used for the selection of one best model. Formulation AAm1Ge1 at pH 7.5 has the best fitting curve with maximum regression coefficient 0.94 and minimum 66 AIC values. 80% RNT release with non-Fickian behavior and was observed in all prepared networks. Proposed networks formulations can be used for the treatment of NSAIDs induced duodenal ulcer.