Pluronic/gelatin composites for controlled release of actives.
This paper describes the preparation and the release properties of composite materials based on Pluronic F127 and gelatin hydrogels, which could be of interest in the field of enteral nutrition or drug administration. The composites were prepared by exploiting the opposite responsivity to temperature of a 20% w/w Pluronic F127 aqueous solution (critical gelation temperature around 23 °C) and gelatin (gel-sol temperature transition around 30 °C). Pluronic domains dispersed within a gelatin matrix were obtained by injecting cold Pluronic F127 solutions inside hot gelatin solutions, while homogenizing either with a magnetic stirrer or a high-energy mechanical disperser. Calorimetry indicates that the composites retain the individual gelling properties of Pluronic and gelatin. Different releasing properties were obtained as a function of the preparation protocol, the temperature and the pH. The release profiles have been studied by a Weibull analysis that clearly points out the dominating role of gelatin at 25 °C. At 37 °C the release accounts for a combined effect from both Pluronic F127 and gelatin, showing a more sustained profile with respect to gelatin hydrogels. This behavior, together with the ability of Pluronic F127 to upload both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and flavors, makes these innovative composite materials very good candidates as FDA-approved carriers for enteral administration.
Dept. of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Italy.
Duccio
D
Tatini
Dept. of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Italy.
Paolo
P
Tempesti
Dept. of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Italy.
Francesca
F
Ridi
Dept. of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Italy.
Emiliano
E
Fratini
Dept. of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Italy.
Massimo
M
Bonini
Dept. of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Italy. Electronic address: baglioni@csgi.unifi.it.
Piero
P
Baglioni
D002151:Calorimetry; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry*; D020100:Hydrogels; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D007700:Kinetics; D008280:Magnetics; D020442:Poloxamer / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D020100:Hydrogels; D020442:Poloxamer; D005780:Gelatin
Azorubine; Composite material; Gelatin; Pluronic F127; Release kinetic