MEBEVERINE-LOADED ISPAGHOL PSYLLIUM HYDROGEL: ADVANCING TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR IBS

Abstract

This study developed novel pH-responsive interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels from ispaghula psyllium gel (IPG), PEG 6000, methacrylic acid (MAA), and N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) for sustained oral delivery of mebeverine HCl (MBV) to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IPG was extracted via modified water method, and nine formulations (PsPM1–9) were synthesized by free-radical polymerization, varying component ratios.​

MBV loading reached 61–86% via swelling-diffusion, with gel fractions of 86–96%. FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM confirmed compatibility, thermal stability (degradation >460 °C), and porous morphology ideal for swelling (up to 97% at pH 7.4 vs. <13% at pH 1.2).​

In vitro release at pH 7.4 (up to 89% over 24–36 h) was higher than at pH 1.2, tuned by components: IPG/PEG/MAA enhanced it via hydrophilicity/repulsion, while MBA reduced it by densification. Zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models best fit (R² 0.91–0.98), with super Case II transport (n 0.93–1.52).​

These biocompatible hydrogels offer promise for colon-targeted MBV delivery, reducing dosing frequency and improving IBS patient compliance.​