Poly(methacrylic acid co-poloxamer) hydrogel networks were synthesized by free radical solution polymerization and their equilibrium swelling and solute permeation properties were characterized. These gels exhibited pH dependant swelling and solute diffusivity due to the formation or disruption of hydrogen bonded complexation between methacrylic acid (MAA) and etheric (EO). In neutral and basic conditions (above the swelling transition pH), the copolymer swelling was greatly higher than acid condition. In complexed hydrogels, the diffusion coefficients of vitamin B12 (VB12) were in the range of 10-10 to 10-7 cm2s-1; While in uncomplexed hydrogels, the values were about 210-6 cm2s-1. The comonomer composition and synthesis conditions have great effect on the structure, and thereby, swelling and solute diffusion characteristics of the resultant hydrogels. For the copolymers with composition of less than or more than 1:1 MAA/EO molar ratio, the plot of lnD vs 1/H-1 followed two different linear equations of 慺ree volume theory? respectively.
The effect of pH on the permeation of Lidocaine hydrochloride (LH) across excised rat skin was studied, the steady state flux (JSS) at different pH being determined using improved Valia-Chien diffusion cells. JSS increased substantially when pH was close to the pKa of LH. The profile of JSS versus pH showed an 慡?shaped curve. JSS of Lidocaine free base (LFB) was fourteen times that of LH. The pH of vehicle influences the permeation of LH significantly and should be considered as an important factor when a formulation is developed.
