In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of aminated poly(methyl silsesquioxane)-based hydrogels ((AP/MS)SO-hydrogels) as potential enzyme-sensitive vehicles for antianemic drugs. The hydrogels were synthesized via sol–gel polymerization and functionalized with amine groups. Characterization techniques included Congo red assay, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, ¹³C NMR, ²⁹Si NMR, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy of hydrogels. The sorption of ferric chloride and ferrous D-gluconate, as well as complexes of ferrous D-gluconate with HPCD, was evaluated. Crosslinking of the gel with bifunctional agents was performed to create a new amide enzyme-sensitive bond, followed by infrared characterization of the crosslinked product. Trypsin-mediated degradation studies demonstrated the sensitivity of the hydrogel to enzymatic cleavage under model conditions. Iron release experiments in gastric and intestine-simulating media confirmed prolonged release. Overall, our findings suggest that aminated PMSSO-hydrogels hold promise as versatile and biocompatible carriers for targeted delivery of antianemic agents, warranting further exploration in preclinical and clinical applications.

Iron deficiency anemia continues to pose a significant global health burden, necessitating the development of improved therapeutic delivery systems. This study investigates novel composite materials composed of organosilicon hydrogels and cross-linked sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (SBECD) nanoparticles for the oral delivery of iron compounds. Two types of cross-linked SBECD nanoparticles were synthesized using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate. These nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, NTA, and FTIR and possess size around 200–300 nm and negative zeta-potential around −35 mV with molecular weight 150–200 kDa. Various hydrogel matrices, including plain PMSSO hydrogels and modified versions with amino groups or silicate cross-links, are also described. The hydrogels were evaluated for their iron sorption capacity (up to 44% loading efficiency) and release kinetics for 3 h. The results demonstrate that cross-linked SBECD nanoparticles significantly enhance iron sorption and provide sustained release under simulated physiological conditions. Mathematical modeling indicated that the Higuchi model best describes the iron release kinetics. The findings suggest that the proposed composite materials hold considerable promise for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, offering an innovative approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects.