Hydrogels based on starch‐g‐poly(sodium‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonate‐co‐methacrylic acid) as controlled drug delivery systems

Novel hydrogel systems based on starch‐g‐poly(sodium‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonate‐co‐methacrylic acid) [starch‐g‐poly(AMPSNa‐co‐MAA)] has been prepared through graft copolymerization of AMPSNa and MAA onto starch chains. Characterization of these hydrogels is carried out using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrogels with maximum swelling capacity have exhibited better drug absorption suggesting that they are suitable as carriers for controlled drug delivery. The capability of these hydrogels as drug delivery vehicles has been evaluated at pH values 4.0, 7.0, and 9.2 using amoxicillin trihydrate as the model drug and these hydrogels have shown more drug release in basic medium when compared to acidic or neutral media.