Characterization of new hydrophilic polymers obtained from co-processed Detarium microcarpum seed gum with acacia, guar and tragacanth gums

Abstract

This work was aimed at developing and characterizing new hydrophilic polymers obtained through co-processing of Detarium microcarpum seed gum (DMG) with acacia (ACG), guar (GGG) and tragacanth (TGG) gums respectively. The hydrophilic polymer obtained from the seed of Detarium microcarpum (DT) was co-processed with acacia, guar and tragacanth gums respectively in proportions of 5%DMG+95%ACG, 10%DMG+90%ACG, 15%DMG+85%ACG, and 20%DMG+80%ACG. Replicate co-processed powders of DMG+GGG and DMG+TGG were prepared. The co-processed powders were characterized for: densities (bulk density, tapped density and particle density), flow parameters (flow rate, angle of repose, Hausner’s quotient, Carr’s index and porosity), moisture properties (hydration capacity, swelling index, moisture content and moisture absorption), viscosity and pH respectively using standard methods. The results obtained showed that the densities of the polymers increased at all the concentrations they were co-processed. However, not all the co-processed polymers had a good flow. Moisture studies showed improved hydrophilic properties for all the co-processed polymers with regards to the swelling index and hydration capacities. The viscosities of the composite co-processed polymers also increased as the concentrations of the co-processed gums increased. Co­processing of acacia, guar and tragacanth gums with D. microcarpum seed gum enhanced the swelling index, hydration capacities and viscosities of these gums. This demonstrates that the new hydrophilic polymers obtained from the co-processing can be used as good suspending, disintegrating and binding agents when properly applied in drug formulations.