A Novel Composite Membrane for pH Responsive Permeation

Objective(s) In this study, a kind of pH sensitive composite membrane was prepared and drug permeation through it was investigated in terms of pH. Rationale of this study originated from the fact that a pH change which may be a result of a disease state in the body can trigger drug release. Materials and Methods  Here, a kind of pH sensitive composite membrane containing different nanoparticle [1:1 n-isopropyl acrylamide (Nipam): metacrylic acid (Maa)] contents in ethylcellulose was prepared by a casting method. Swelling ratios of these nanoparticles and composite membranes with different particle loadings were determined. Permeation of two different drug models with different hydrophilicity and molecular weights, vitamin B12 (vit B12) and paracetamol, through these membranes was studied in terms of pH. Results  It was seen that swelling ratios of nanoparticles and the composite membranes went up as the particle content increased at each pH. Vit B12 and paracetamol permeation through the membranes in pH value below the pKa was much higher than that at pHs above it, but this difference was much more pronounced for vit B12 compared to paracetamol. Conclusion Permeation through these membranes showed a sharp sensitivity to pH changes. Nanoparticles in the composite membranes could act as nanovalves due to their sharp swelling/shrinkage around the pKa of Maa. These membranes could be considered as an ideal stimuli-sensitive barrier for modulating drug release with a small change in pH.