Preparation and in vitro characterization of curcumin loaded Chitosan-Hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte complex based hydrogels

Objective: The manuscript aims to prepare and comprehensively characterize curcumin-loaded chitosan-hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogels through in vitro assessments. By elucidating the formulation process, physicochemical attributes, and drug release kinetics, the study contributes to the producing of curcumin loaded new drug delivery system. Significance: This approach shows the unique synergy of the chosen polymers with curcumin. The meticulous in vitro analysis of the hydrogels cements their novel attributes, underlining their potential as efficacious and biocompatible curcumin carriers. Methods: To configure the optimum formulation variables, viscosity, swelling ratio, porosity, in vitro release, cell viability, and migration rate were determined. In addition, FTIR and SEM analyses were also carried out to define the characteristic of formulations. Results: Release kinetic determination is essential in estimating the release behavior of formulation in the body. All formulations showed Higuchi release kinetics, indicating that drug release from the semi-solid matrix was diffusion controlled. Conclusion: As a result, in this study, a new formulation was produced based on a simple concept with acceptable quality parameter results promising to be conducted in the industry.