P8: Formulation of Liposomes & Gels Flashcards
what are gels
viscoelastic solid-like materials comprised of an elastic cross-linked network and a solvent which is the major component
why does gel have a solid appearance
result of the entrapment and adhesion of the liquid in the large surface area of a solid 3D matrix
how is a solid matrix formed
cross-linking of the polymetric strands of macro molecu;es by physical or chemical forces
what are the characteristics of gel
large increase in viscocity above gel point
appearance of rubber-like elasticity
gel retains shape under low stress but deforms at higher stress
what are some examples of naturally occurring gelators
gelatin, collagen, agar, starch, gellan gum
what are the two classifications of gels derived from synthetic compounds
macromolecular (polymer)
supramolecular
what are the components of a gel
water (hydrogels) organic liquid (organogels)
what are some features of hydrogels
retain a significant amount of water
remains water-insoluble, used in topical drug delivery, soft contact lenses, implant coating
what determines the diffusion rate of a drug in a hydrogel
the physical structure of the polymer network and its chemical nature
if gel is highly hydrated, diffusion occurs through the pores
if gel hydration is low, drug dissolves in the polymer and is transported between the chains
how does cross linking affect hydrogels
increases hydrophobicity of a gel
decreases the diffusion rate of the drug
what factors can change swelling characteristics of hydrogels and drug release
heat, pH, application of electrical current
results in responsive drug delivery - ‘on off’ switching mechanism
what causes a gel to become thermally irriversible
when gels are formed by strong chemical bonds
what causes a gel to be reversible
gels formed by weak non-covalent interactions (physical entanglements)
what are type 1 gels
irriversible systems
3D network formed by covalent bonds between macromolecules
formed by polymerisation of monomers of water soluble polymers in presence of cross-linking
what are type 2 gels
heat-reversible
held together by intermolecular bonds
gel on cooling below gel point
how are type 2 PVA solutions used
they have suitable gelling properties for topical skin applications
gel dries rapidly leaving plastic film with drug in intimate contact with skin
how are cross-linked polymetric systems formed
water-soluble polymer chains are covalently cross-linked into a 3D structure
gel forms when dry material interacts with water
polymer swells but cannot dissolve due to cross-linking