Alginate-okra gum blend beads of diclofenac sodium from aqueous template using ZnSO4 as a cross-linker

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2015-08, Vol.79, p.555-563
• Main Authors: Sinha, Priyanka, Ubaidulla, U., Hasnain, M. Saquib, Nayak, Amit Kumar, Rama, Bobba
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abelmoschus - chemistry; Alginate; Alginates - chemistry; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - chemistry; Delayed-Action Preparations - chemistry; Diclofenac - chemistry; Diclofenac sodium; Emulsion ionic-gelation; Fruit - chemistry; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Microspheres; Okra gum; Plant Gums - chemistry; X-Ray Diffraction; Zinc Sulfate - chemistry
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.04.067

Zinc (Zn2+)-ion induced diclofenac sodium (DS)-loaded alginate-okra (Hibiscus esculentus) gum (OG) blend beads was successfully formulated through Zn2+-ion induced ionic-gelation cross-linking method in a complete aqueous environment. Effects of polymer-blend ratio and cross-linker concentration on drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE) and cumulative drug release at 8h (R8h) were optimized by 32-factorial design. The optimized formulation of Zn2+-ion induced DS-loaded alginate-OG beads demonstrated 89.27±3.58% of DEE and 43.73±2.83% of R8h. The bead sizes were within 1.10±0.07 to 1.38±0.14mm. The bead surface morphology was analyzed by SEM. The drug–polymer interaction in the optimized bead matrix was analyzed by FTIR and P-XRD. These beads exhibited sustained in vitro drug release over a prolonged period of 8h and followed controlled-release (zero-order) pattern with super case-II transport mechanism. The swelling and degradation of the optimized beads was influenced by the pH of test mediums, which might be suitable for intestinal drug delivery.