Transport of Indomethacin from genipin cross-linked chitosan and chitosan-gelatin composite hydrogels: A comparative study

Abstract An effort has been made to synthesize genepin cross-linked hydrogel matrices for drug delivery applications. Given to their excellent biocompatibility, chitosan and gelatin were explored for their ability to form hydrogels. The hydrogels were cross-linked with a natural cross-linking agent genipin to improve the mechanical properties of the drug delivery matrices. To assess the cross-linked hydrogels for performance, they were characterized by mechanical compression analysis, gel microstructural visualization & surface morphology (SEM), and the swelling index and drug release profile with Indomethacin. The indomethacin release profile from these hydrogels shows an initial burst release of Indomethacin concentration, while over a period the release eventually becomes controlled. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogels were evaluated with cells.