Tuning Pluronic Hydrogel Properties via Ionic Strength and Hyaluronic Acid for Optimized Rheology and Drug Delivery Performances.

ABSTRACT: New formulations based on polymeric matrices have demonstrated promising results as drug delivery systems for intra-articular administration. In this study, we propose a five-step approach to guide the selection of the most adequate formulation, considering some features, such as sol-gel transition temperature, mechanical strength, system stability, and drug release performance. As a model, we developed hydrogels composed of Pluronic F68, F108, and F127 at 20% (w/v), combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) of 10, 200, and 1500 kDa at 1% (w/v), along with NaCl (154 mM) and MgCl₂ (0.9 mM), to simulate the intra-articular environment. Physicochemical characterization was conducted through rheological analysis, texture profile analysis, dynamic light scattering, and drug release studies.

SUBMITTER: Sepulveda AF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12713464 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature