Crosslinked α,β-Polyasparthydrazide Micromatrices for Controlled Release of Anticancer Drugs

The preparation of new hydrogels by the reaction of α,β- polyasparthydrazide and glutaraldehyde is reported. A different crosslinking degree was obtained by varying the ratio crosslinking agent/polymer which influenced the swelling behavior of the gel. 5-Fluorouracil, was incorporated into the matrices during the crosslinking reaction and in vitro release studies were performed in simulated gastric juice (pH 1.1) and pH 7.4 buffer solution. The hydrogels prepared were chemically stable in the dissolution media. The observed data show the potential application of these new matrices for peroral administration of anticancer agents.