pH responsive MMT/Acrylamide Super Composite Hydrogel: Characterization, Anticancer Drug Reservoir and Controlled Release Property

Abstract

We report here, the preparation and characterization of polyacrylamide/Na+‐MMT (Montmorillonite) composite hydrogels and its application as anticancer drug carrier reservoir. The X‐ray diffraction patterns, thermal and spectroscopic analyses indicate that the acrylamide and MMT has been successfully conglomerated to form composite gels. The degree of swelling was higher in composite hydrogels as compared to pristine hydrogel; and the hydrophilic MMT improved the water absorbing properties of composite hydrogels. The mode of water transport in the composite hydrogels was partially through a swollen polymeric matrix and water filling in clay layers of the composite hydrogels. In vitro drug release study demonstrated the controlled release pattern. In vitro cytotoxicity of drug loaded composite hydrogel was evaluated in MCF‐7 and Hela cells by MTT assay. In vivo pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, toxicity biomarkers and total serum protein analysis were also investigated after single oral administration of drug in rats.