Synthesis of modified tannic acid hydrogel for the transdermal delivery of curcumin

The search for new materials with a wide range of qualities and uses in the field of anti-cancer drug delivery is on the rise. The field of medication delivery is likewise at its pinnacle, with high-acceptability materials such as hydrogels, liposomes, and nanoparticles being reported daily. Even while strong delivery candidates are present, maintaining their size while preserving biocompatibility is difficult. A solution is phytochemicals with reducing characteristics, which might be further improved by grafting with appropriate monomers. As a matter of fact, the goal of this research was to synthesize a new chemically modified oleic acid-silver nanoparticle conjugated poly vinyl alcohol-tannic acid nanohydrogel for the transdermal delivery of curcumin for cancer therapy. It is believed to increase percutaneous absorption, reduce side effects, target breast carcinoma cells, and maximize the drug's cytocompatibility. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis were used to characterize the synthesized material. Drug release investigations were also carried out. The prepared hydrogel had porous surface morphology and a three-dimensional network structure in cross-section with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 5.0 nm. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were found to be 77.0% and 87.5%, respectively with a pH stimulated maximum swelling percentage of 380.0%. Further investigations proved increased percutaneous absorption and anti-bacterial activity along with reduced side effects. The produced transdermal hydrogel was found to be an excellent option for pH-controlled administration of anticancer medication curcumin to target breast carcinoma cells, and maximize the drug's cytocompatibility.