DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF PH-RESPONSIVE HYDROGEL FOR CONTROLLED GASTROINTESTINAL DELIVERY OF ATENOLOL

Abstract

Atenolol is a widely prescribed β1-adrenergic receptor blocker for the management of hypertension, angina, and cardiac arrhythmias; however, its low oral bioavailability, short elimination half-life, and frequent dosing requirements limit its therapeutic effectiveness and patient compliance. This study aims to develop a pH-responsive hydrogel based on κ-carrageenan and methacrylic acid (MAA) using the free-radical polymerization technique for the controlled and colon-targeted delivery of atenolol. The hydrogel matrix is designed to remain stable in the acidic environment of the stomach and swell at the higher pH of the intestine and colon, enabling sustained and site-specific drug release. The proposed system is expected to enhance atenolol bioavailability, reduce dosing frequency, and eliminate the need for conventional enteric coating. The developed hydrogels will be loaded with atenolol and evaluated through in vitro characterization to assess their swelling behavior, drug-loading efficiency, and controlled-release performance. This approach offers a promising strategy for improving the efficacy, safety, and patient compliance of long-term cardiovascular therapy.