Interpenetrating networks of carboxymethyl tamarind gum and chitosan for sustained delivery of aceclofenac

Abstract

The aim of present investigation was to characterize carboxymethyl tamarind gum (CMTG) based interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of aceclofenac for site specific sustained delivery. The drug loaded IPNs were prepared by using chitosan and CMTG as polymers and gluteraldehyde as crosslinking agent. The IPNs were characterized by Attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and solid state 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The prepared IPNs were evaluated for the drug entrapment efficiency and equilibrium swelling. The drug release from IPNs was studied in 0.1NHCl for 2h followed by phosphate buffer pH 6.8 for further 10h and compared with commercial tablet. The results of ATR-FTIR and thermal analysis for blank IPNs indicated intercalation of polymeric chains of crosslinked CMTG and chitosan. The results of solid state characterization revealed that the aceclofenac is compatible with IPNs. Entrapment efficiency of IPNs was found to be increased with increase in crosslinker concentration as well as amount of CMTG. The equilibrium swelling study indicated pH dependent swelling of IPNs. The drug release by IPNs showed sustained release of aceclofenac upto 12h while commercial formulation showed fast release within 8h. From the results, it can be concluded that the IPNs of CMTG and chitosan has potential in development of site specific sustained drug delivery.