Characterization of drug release and diffusion mechanism through hydroxyethylmethacrylate/methacrylic acid pH-sensitive hydrogel.

Hydroxyethylmethacrylate/methacrylic acid copolymer cross-linked with ethylenglycol dimethacrylate was prepared by a bulk free radical polymerization method. The permeability studies of this pH-sensitive hydrogel to drugs with different water solubilities showed a water-content dependent diffusion or pore mechanism for ephedrine HCl (water-soluble model drug), whereas, a partition or solute-diffusion mechanism for indomethacin (a water-insoluble drug) was seen. Data analysis of release tests, according to the swelling interface number and Peppas equation for ephedrine HCl in pH 7.4, showed a biexponential model kinetic, whereas in pH 1.2 a swelling-controlled mechanism was seen. Indomethacin was released by an anomalous or non-Fickian release kinetics.