Fabrication of chitosan-alginate polyelectrolyte complexed hydrogel for controlled release of cilnidipine: a statistical design approach

Abstract

In the present investigation, fabrication and statistical optimization of chitosan-alginate polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) beads were performed for controlled delivery of Cilnidipine (CIL). PEC beads containing CIL were prepared by ionic cross-linking with calcium chloride. A statistical optimization was performed by employing a 32 full factorial design. Graphical optimization using overlay plot provides optimum combination of both the factors with the desired ranges of response. The optimum formulation of CIL (CB-O) was developed employing sodium alginate (2·2%w/v) and chitosan (1·2% w/v). CB-O formulation showed particle size (mm) =1·62 ± 0·42; DEE (%) = 90·21 ± 1·66; and drug release (%) = 89·58 ± 1·93; furthermore, solid state characterization by DSC, SEM, and XRD analysis reveals uniform dispersion of drug in polymer matrix. Controlled release CIL beads may find future perspectives in enhancing patient compliance by the abrupt reduction in side effects and dose frequency owing to effective therapeutic efficacy as indicated by the in-vitro study.