Gellan gum-based bi-polymeric hydrogel scaffolds loaded with Rosuvastatin calcium: A useful tool for tendon tissue regeneration

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2023 Dec 3:106659. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106659. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTStatins have been long used in tissue engineering, besides their marketed hypolipidemic benefits. The aim of this research was to sustain the release of rosuvastatin calcium from bi-polymeric hydrogel scaffolds. A bi-polymer blend technique was used to enhance the mechanical properties of the fabricated hydrogels. Briefly, hydrogels were prepared via crosslinking gellan gum as the main polymer together with a secondary polymer in the presence of Ca2+. The fabricated hydrogels were assessed in terms of % swelling capacity, hydrolytic degradation and % drug released to determine the most efficient carrier system. The selected hydrogel exhibited a swelling capacity of 131.45±1.49% following 3 weeks in an aqueous environment with a % weight loss of 15.73±1.86% after 4 weeks post-equilibrium in aqueous medium. The results ensure a proper window for adequate drug diffusion and nutrient exchange. Sustained release was attained where 94.61±2.77% of rosuvastatin was released at the 4-week mark. Later, FT-IR and DSC, were carried out and suggested the successful crosslinking and formation of new matrix. SEM images demonstrated the porous surface of the hydrogel while a Young's modulus of 888.558±73.549 kPa indicated the suitability of the hydrogel for soft tissue engineering. In-vivo testing involved implanting the selected hydrogel at precisely surgical cuts in the Achilles tendon of...
Source: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research