A novel composite matrix based on polymeric micelle and hydrogel as a drug carrier for the controlled release of dual drugs.

In the present work, we present a system of hydrogel/micelle composite as dual-drug release vehicle. The hydrogel is prepared from poly(ethyleneglycol) PEG and poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA. Polymeric micelles are enjoying high resurgence of interest in biomedical field as promising candidates for the stabilization and delivery of water insoluble drugs. This property was used to design and synthesize oleic acid-g-chitosan (OA-g-CS) copolymer micelles. Dual drugs, an analgesic, Tramadol (TMD) and an antibiotic, Cefixime trihydrate (CFX) were used as model drugs. The drug release behaviors of the micelle and PEG-PVA/micelle DDDS were studied as functions of pH and temperature. The release profiles were analyzed by a power law equation to reveal the release mechanism of drugs. The drug carrier vehicle was characterized and studies including swelling, effect of ionic strength, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and in vitro drug release were carried out. The release of the two drugs was much more pronounced in the basic medium than in the acidic medium.