Green synthesis of quince/pectin cross-linked superporous hydrogel sponges for pH-regulated sustained domperidone delivery

[Display omitted] The present study aims to utilize green synthesis to fabricate stimuli-responsive, smart, quince/pectin cross-linked hydrogel sponges for the pH-regulated conveyance of domperidone. The designed hydrogel sponges were evaluated for a sol–gel fraction (%), swelling studies and kinetics, drug loading (%), electrolyte-responsive character, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis, drug-excipient compatibility studies (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, mechanical testing, in-vitro drug release studies, and acute oral toxicity studies. The drug loading (%) ranged from 67 to 85%. Hydrogel sponges displayed pH-responsive swelling potential, with optimum swelling in a phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and insignificant swelling in an acidic buffer of pH 1.2. The prepared hydrogel sponges displayed second-order swelling dynamics. The FTIR data revealed the successful fabrication of the hydrogel sponges with the primary drug peaks remaining unchanged, demonstrating excipients-drug compatibility. SEM confirmed the rough, porous surface of hydrogel sponges with numerous cracks. XRD measurements revealed the transformation of the crystalline nature of domperidone into an amorphous one within the developed hydrogel sponges. Dissolution studies revealed little domperidone release in an acidic environment. However, hydrogel sponges exhibited release up to 10 h in phosphate buffer.The sponge's non-toxic or biocompatible character was confirmed through toxicological studies. Thus, the finding indicates that quince/pectin cross-linked hydrogel sponges are durable enough to deliver the domperidone to the gut for a longer time.