The present study deals with preparation and optimization of a novel
chitosan hydrogel-based matrix by
suspension cross-linking method for controlled release of
Depo-Medrol. The controlled release of
Depo-Medrol for effective
Rheumatoid arthritis disease has become an imperative field in the drug delivery system. In this context, it was intended to optimize loading circumstances by experimental design and also study the release kinetics of
Depo-Medrol entrapped in the
chitosan matrix in order to obtain maximal efficiency for
drug loading. The optimum concentrations of
chitosan (2.5 g),
glutaraldehyde (3.05 μL) and
Depo-Medrol (0.1 mg) were set up to achieve the highest value of
drug loaded and the most sustained release from the
chitosan matrix. In vitro monitoring of drug release kinetic using high-performance liquid chromatography showed that 73% of the
Depo-Medrol was released within 120 min, whereas remained
drug was released during the next 67 h. High correlation between first-order and Higuchi's kinetic models indicates a controlled diffusion of
Depo-Medrol through the surrounding media. Moreover, recovery capacity >82% and entrapment efficiency of 58-88% were achieved under optimal conditions. Therefore, the new synthesized
Depo Medrol-
chitosan is an applicable appliance for
arthritis therapy by slow release mechanism. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.