Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Alginate‐Based Hydrogel for Delivery of Hydrophilic Drug Metformin Hydrochloride

Abstract This research delves into the development of a hydrogel based on sodium alginate (Na‐Alg), CMTKG and PSA for the controlled release of Metformin Hydrochloride (Metformin HCl), a commonly used drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The hydrogel was synthesized via a free radical mechanism using N, N′ ‐methylene‐bis(acrylamide) (MBA) as a crosslinker and potassium persulphate (KPS) as an initiator. The hydrogels were analyzed using techniques such as ATR‐FTIR, and SEM. The research also investigated swelling behaviour, drug loading, drug encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics of Metformin HCl. The finding revealed that the hydrogel exhibited pH‐responsive metformin HCl release, with higher drug release perceived at pH 7.4 compared to pH 1.2. Mathematical models were employed to study the drug release mechanism, indicating diffusion as a mechanism liable for the drug release from the hydrogel. Moreover, the synthesized metformin HCl‐loaded Na‐Alg/PSA/CMTKG hydrogel shows excellent anti‐diabetic activity on α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzyme. Henceforth, the formulated hydrogel reveals potential for facilitating the targeted release of Metformin HCl, offering opportunities for improving patient amenability and lessening side effects related to frequent dosing.