A thermosensitive chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel containing nanoparticles for drug delivery

The synthesis and characterization of a thermosensitive chitosan (CS)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel containing nanoparticles with different charges for drug delivery were reported. Through the electrostatic effect of –N⁺(CH₃)₃ and –COO⁻, the nanoparticles of N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride(HTCC)–carboxymethyl chitosan (CM) were prepared. The nanoparticles with different charges were obtained by the different ratio of –N⁺(CH₃)₃ and –COO⁻, which were suitable for drug delivery with opposite charges, such as propranolol and diclofenac sodium, respectively. The release of the positive drug was the slowest with the hydrogels containing negative nanoparticles. Similarly, the release of the negative drug was the slowest with the hydrogels containing positive nanoparticles. However, the releases of the two drugs were both the fastest with the pure hydrogels. It indicated the addition of nanoparticles was helpful to slow the suitable drug release. Though the nanoparticles did not reinforce the gel strength, the electrostatic effect between nanoparticles and drugs reduced the burst release. Therefore, the composite gels are attractive for applications as carriers for drug delivery.