Biodegradable Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogel Membranes for Controlled Release of Anticancer Drug: Advanced Study

Biodegradable interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel membranes of chitosan and gelatin were
prepared by solvent casting evaporation method for the controlled release of 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU), an
anticancer drug. The membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
(FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X‑ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) and Tensile strength measurements. The FTIR was used to understand the formation of
crosslinking and to confirm the absence of chemical interactions between drug and membranes. DSC
and XRD 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. The in vitro
studies were carried out in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 37°C. The results of controlled release tests
showed that the amount of 5‑FU release increased with the increasing the amount of gelatin in the
membrane. Moreover, the release rate of drug increased as the amount of drug loaded in the
membranes increased. All the results indicated that the prepared membrane was potentially useful in
drug‑delivery systems, and the prolonged release rate was observed up to 12 h.