Designing of drug imprinted polymeric microcryogels for controlled release of Darunavir

Abstract

Abstract Darunavir (D.V) is a pivotal antiretroviral medication designed to combat viruses with prolonged treatment requirements, notably gaining recognition as one of the primary choices for treating AIDS, a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bio polymeric materials like microcryogels become the center of attention in most research areas such as controlled release systems. These systems offer the advantage of precise drug administration, ensuring effective therapeutic outcomes through the delivery of specific drug doses. Microcryogels, characterized by their super macroporous, elastic, and spongy morphology, have emerged as a focal point in biomedical applications, particularly when combined with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). In this study, the controlled release and kinetics studies of the D.V were investigated with the D.V imprinted poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) based microcryogels. D.V imprinted pHEMA microcryogels with different cross-linker ratios and different loaded drugs were prepared for studies of in vitro release of D.V scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods have been considered suitable for the characterization of cryogels that have been designed and whose sensitivity has been enhanced by molecular imprinting. Cytotoxicity of D.V imprinted microcryogels was also inspected using mouse fibroblast cell line L929. The comprehensive analysis results underscore the potential of these meticulously designed microcryogels, showcasing their utility in medical applications. Notably, these microcryogels exhibited controlled drug release, with efficiency levels of up to 85% and a sustained release duration of 40 hours, positioning them as a valuable option for advanced drug delivery systems in the medical field.