Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDRO-GELS WITH SELF-HEALING PROPERTIES FOR DELIVERY OF BIOACTIVE AGENTS

*Gitanjali Rode, Tomar Shivani, Wadkar Shraddha, Jahirali Sayyad and Patil A. D.

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Abstract

Hydro gels, a pivotal class of soft materials, play a significant role in the delivery of bioactive agents. However, their utility is often hampered by a notable drawback: their inherently poor mechanical strength due to a high water content. Particularly in physiological conditions, prolonged usage can lead to wear and tear, resulting in structural damage during the delivery of bioactive agents. This structural compromise may manifest as burst and uncontrolled release of the agents. A strategic solution to mitigate this challenge involves the incorporation of self-healing properties into hydro gels, enabling automatic healing of fractures to restore their original mechanical properties. The primary objectives of this article are to comprehensively revisit the most recent advancements in the design of carriers based on selfhealing hydro gels. These carriers hold promise in addressing the mechanical fragility associated with conventional hydro gels during the delivery of bioactive agents. By exploring these recent innovations, we aim to provide insights into potential avenues for further research, with the ultimate goal of translating these advanced carriers from laboratory settings to real-world applications. This synthesis of knowledge seeks to bridge the gap between scientific exploration and practical implementation, propelling the field of self-healing hydro gel-based carriers towards impactful and tangible outcomes in bioactive agent delivery. In this study, hydro gels with self-healing properties are developed using a polymerization technique, incorporating cross linking agents for structural stability. The bioactive agents are then encapsulated through a controlled loading process. Characterization involves spectroscopic analysis, such as FTIR, to confirm chemical interactions. Mechanical properties are assessed using rheological tests, while self-healing capabilities are evaluated through mechanical damage and subsequent recovery measurements. The hydro gel's drug release profile is studied through in vitro experiments, providing insights into the controlled release kinetics of bioactive agents. This comprehensive approach ensures the effective development and assessment of hydro gels for targeted drug delivery.

Keywords: Hydro gels, Self-healing, Drug delivery systems, Bioactive agents, Polymerization technique, Controlled release, Spectroscopic analysis, Rheological tests.