Development of a Bioactive, Biodegradable Oxidized Sodium Alginate Hydrogel Incorporating Solanum surattense Extract for Biomedical applications

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop a biodegradable and bioactive oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) hydrogel loaded with Solanum surattense extract (Ss-OSA) and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics, release behavior, and multifunctional biological activities for potential biomedical applications.

Methods: The Ss-OSA hydrogel was fabricated using oxidized sodium alginate as the polymeric matrix. Chemical interactions were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while surface morphology and structural properties were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In vitro drug release behavior was evaluated over 24 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay, supported by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining. Antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities were determined using DPPH radical scavenging, α-amylase inhibition, and protein denaturation assays, respectively.

Results:  FTIR confirmed ester bond formation with a characteristic carbonyl peak at 1750–1780 cm⁻¹. SEM analysis revealed a porous and globular morphology favorable for drug encapsulation, while XRD indicated a predominantly amorphous structure, suggesting uniform extract dispersion. The hydrogel showed an initial burst release (≈95% within 5 h) followed by sustained release up to 24 h. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated dose-dependent cancer cell inhibition with an IC₅₀ of ~75 µg/mL, corroborated by AO/EtBr staining. The Ss-OSA hydrogel exhibited strong antioxidant (62%), α-amylase inhibitory (58%), and anti-inflammatory (52%) activities at 75 µg/mL.

Conclusion: The Solanum surattense- loaded OSA hydrogel demonstrates favorable structural properties, controlled release behavior, and significant multifunctional bioactivity, highlighting its promise as a biodegradable platform for controlled drug delivery and biomedical applications.