ASSESSMENT OF POLYSACCHARIDE GELS AS DRUG-DELIVERY VEHICLES

A range of cross-linked polysaccharide gels were prepared from bacteri al sodium hyaluronate (HANa) and dextran using diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid dianhydride (DTPA) as the cross-linking agent. The physica l characteristics of the gels were assessed using a Ferranti-Shirley c one and plate viscometer, a TA-XT2 Universal Texture Analyser and FT-I R spectrometry. FT-IR demonstrated a concentration-dependent incorpora tion of DTPA to form gels from either polysaccharide with varying prop erties. The gels exhibited an increase in viscosity and maximal compre ssion force with increasing cross-linking. Dextran gels were stronger and of greater viscosity than comparable HANa gels. The gels are being investigated as potential drug delivery vehicles for parenteral depot preparations.