Microcrystalline cellulose and itaconic acid pH sensitive semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel for oral insulin delivery.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the important causes of death worldwide. Generally, a subcutaneous route is used for insulin administration, but has showen low patient compliance. Extensive research has been conducted to identify molecules capable of delivering insulin orally, for this hydrogel based on microcrystalline cellulose and itaconic acid have been produced and explored. Free radical polymerization as a technique was employed for manufacturing the hydrogels using potassium persulphate as initiator and N, N'-methylene bisacrylamide (NNMBA) as a crosslinker. These pH-sensitive exhibited a swelling capacity of up to 20.38 g/g in distilled water and also revealed stronger swelling in glucose solutions than saline solutions. The pH sensitivity of the hydrogels was confirmed by studying the swelling in different pH solutions. Alkaline solutions showed higher swelling than acidic solutions. SEM established the porous nature, and the structure was examined by FTIR analysis. Thermal degradation was examined using TGA. In-vitro release study was done by Bradford assay at 595 nm. The result was further confirmed by in-vivo investigations on male Wistar adult rats and hence is an excellent vehicle for oral insulin administration.