Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels based on carboxymethyl chitosan and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blends prepared by electron beam irradiation having anticancer efficacy, and applications as drug carrier for controlled release of drug.

Herein, carboxymethyl chitosan and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) based hydrogels were synthesized by electron beam irradiation with dose variations (15 kGy, 30 kGy, and 45 kGy) for drug delivery applications. Irradiation crosslinked hydrogels were characterized for swellings in different medias, chemical, thermal, cell cytotoxicity, and drug release aspects. Swelling analysis was evaluated in distilled water, buffer, and saline solutions. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed the establishment of physical interactions and confirmed the presence of functional groups present in the drug carriers. Scanning electron microscopy depicted the porous structure, which is responsible for swelling, drug loading, and release. Cell cytotoxicity assays indicated good cell viability on RAW 264.7 cells and anticancer activity on cancerous AGS cell lines. Cumulative drug release (%) of kanamycin in PBS at pH 7.4 was more than 90 % at 168 h. These drug carriers show promise to be developed as a sustained drug delivery system.