Facile functionalization cum fabrication of novel fenugreek gum /chitosan based self-crosslinked hydrogel networks through Schiff base formation: Characterization & Swelling kinetic studies

Abstract

Abstract In the current scenario, material synthesis techniques are transitioning from traditional to safer, chemical-free routes. The current research focuses on the self-crosslinking of fenugreek gum(a medicinal seed gum) and chitosan via Schiff base production through an oxidative pathway into hybrid hydrogels. To create oxidised fenugreek gum(OFG), fenugreek gum was oxidised with sodium periodate. Periodate oxidation converts vicinal glycols in the backbone to aldehydic groups. Crosslinking occurred due to the creation of Schiff base imine connections between amino groups of chitosan and aldehyde groups of oxidised fenugreek gum without the usage of severe conditions or crosslinking and initiator systems. To confirm the structural modifications integrated as well as changes in physiochemical properties of the backbone, FTIR, powdered XRD, FESEM, EDX, and swelling experiments were performed on newly synthesized polymeric networks. To determine their suitability as drug delivery agents, swelling kinetics were examined as a function of reaction parameters and ionic strength of swelling medium.XRD data confirms an increase in crystallinity caused by oxidation, which further reflected as decline in swelling OFG. The pH responsive behaviour of OFG and OFG-cl-CH Schiff base matrix is validated by swelling kinetics. SEM examination validated the porous structural shape of the functionalized gel. Schiff base polymeric networks of OFG-cl-CH follow a pseudo-Fickian process. These newly synthesised OFG-cl-CH Schiff base could be employed as a possible drug delivery systems in the future.