Effect of Ceric (IV) ammonium nitrate concentration on preparation and characterization of chitosan-graft-maleic anhydride as potential drug delivery system

Abstract

In this study, maleic anhydride (MA) is used to modify chitosan. The reaction was carried out in acetic acid (1% v/v) and initiated using Ceric Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) at 70°C. The characterization includes Fourier Transform Infra- Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, a morphological analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), mechanical property test, swelling ratio, degradation, and curcumin release analysis. The appearance of a peak at 1705.05 cm−1 which corresponds to the C=O group indicated that the chitosan was successfully carboxylated. SEM result shows that the unreacted MA is removed after the washing process. It also shows the homogeneity of the modified film. The mechanical strength indicates that the raise in initiator concentration increases the tensile strength but reduces the elongation of the film. The swelling and the degradation properties are enhanced as the CAN percentage increases. Meanwhile, the results of the drug release test on the effective diffusivity and the distribution coefficient of the carboxylated chitosan are 1.52 ×10−7 cm2/min and 3.82×102, respectively.