Development and characterization of gelatin–polysaccharide based phase‐separated hydrogels for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

ABSTRACT Bacterial vaginosis is a sexually transmitted vaginal infection prevalent in sexually active women. Gelatin–polysaccharide phase‐separated hydrogels were prepared and characterized as vaginal delivery systems for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, maltodextrin, and dextran were used as the representative polysaccharides. The developed gels were characterized by impedance spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies, and differential scanning calorimetry. The mucoadhesivity, water absorption, and hemocompatibility of the gels were also studied. The gels were electrically conductive in nature and showed a concentration‐dependent behavior. XRD study suggested the amorphous nature of the hydrogels. An increase in the polysaccharide content increased the water holding capacity of the gels. The gels were found to possess mucoadhesive property and were hemocompatible. Metronidazole, a commonly used drug for treating bacterial vaginosis, loaded gels showed diffusion‐mediated drug release. The drug‐loaded hydrogels showed good antimicrobial activity. In gist, the developed hydrogels may be tried as matrices for vaginal delivery of antimicrobials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 41785.