Aim:
The work’s aim was the preparation and characterization of a hydrogel based on gelatin
and glycerine, useful for site-specific release of benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, able to attenuate
the inflammatory process typical of the vaginal infection.
Objective:
The obtained hydrogel has been characterized by Electronic Scanning Microscopy (SEM)
and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In addition, due to the precursor properties, the hydrogel
exhibits a relevant mucoadhesive activity.
Methods:
The swelling degree was evaluated at two different pHs and at defined time intervals. In particular,
phosphate buffers were used at pH 6.6, in order to mimic the typical conditions of infectious
diseases at the vaginal level, particularly for HIV-seropositive pregnant women, and pH 4.6, to simulate
the physiological environment.
Results:
The obtained results revealed that the hydrogel swells up well at both pHs.
Conclusion:
Release studies conducted at both pathological and physiological pHs have shown that
benzydamine is released at the level of the vaginal mucosa in a slow and gradual manner. These data
support the hypothesis of the hydrogel use for the site-specific release of benzydamine in the vaginal
mucosa.
Managing vaginal infection
