The fananserin derivative, such as 1-{6-[4-(2-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]hexyl}-benzo[cd]indol-2(1H)-one (compound FL-4), represents an interesting biologically active substance that can be incorporated into polymeric carriers. Due to its highly hydrophobic nature and poor solubility in conventional solvents, FL-4 was incorporated into a delivery system to improve its solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Based on preliminary studies and DLS analysis, an optimal concentration of FL-4 (10 mg) was selected, ensuring system stability. This system was incorporated into polymer matrices, resulting in two hydrogel delivery systems: M10-J, containing FL-4, and M10-T-J, which combines a thermosensitive nanocarrier with FL-4, both ionically cross-linked. The systems were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, including swelling abilities, degradation, chemical structure (based on FTIR spectra analysis), morphology (based on SEM images), and substance release profiles. The M10-T-J samples showed a swelling ratio of 0.27 g/g in PBS and 0.35 g/g in water, while M10-J exhibited 0.16 g/g in PBS and 0.2 g/g in water. The pH and conductivity analysis suggested a faster degradation process for M10-T-J hydrogel compared to M10-J. FT-IR analysis confirmed the chemical structure of the materials, revealing significant changes in M10-T-J samples, indicating interactions between FL-4 and CaCl₂ used during cross-linking. SEM and EDS analysis showed a uniform distribution of FL-4 on the matrix surface in both hydrogel variants, with the addition of the thermosensitive nanocarrier not significantly affecting the morphology. The M10-J hydrogel exhibited rapid release of FL-4 within the first 4 h, while M10-T-J showed limited release.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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