Slow-release Formulation Research Articles

Constructing Slow-Release Formulations of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer Based on Degradable Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate).

The present study describes construction and investigation of experimental formulations of ammonium nitrate embedded in a matrix of degradable natural polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB)] and P(3HB) blended with wood flour shaped as tablets, some of them coated with P(3HB). Kinetics of ammonium release into soil as dependent on the composition of the polymer matrix was investigated in laboratory experiments. The rates of fertilizer release from formulations coated with a biopolymer layer were considerably (two months or longer) slower than the rates of fertilizer release from uncoated formulations, while release from polymer and composite (polymer/wood flour) formulations occurred with comparable rates. The use of the experimental formulations in laboratory ecosystems with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was more effective than application of free ammonium nitrate. The advantage of the slow-release fertilizer formulations is that they are buried in soil together with the seeds, and the fertilizer remains effective over the first three months of plant growth. The use of such slow-release formulations will reduce the amounts of chemicals released into the environment, which will curb their accumulation in food chains of ecosystems and mitigate their adverse effects on the biosphere.

579 In situ and in vitro evaluation of a slow release form of nitrate for ruminants: Nitrate release rates, rumen nitrate metabolism and production of methane, hydrogen, and nitrous oxide

579 In situ and in vitro evaluation of a slow release form of nitrate for ruminants: Nitrate release rates, rumen nitrate metabolism and production of methane, hydrogen, and nitrous oxide

In situ and in vitro evaluations of a slow release form of nitrate for ruminants: Nitrate release rate, rumen nitrate metabolism and the production of methane, hydrogen, and nitrous oxide

In situ and in vitro experiments were conducted to determine nitrate (NO3−) release rate from encapsulated NO3− (EN) in the rumen and to examine metabolism of EN-NO3− in conjunction with methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), and nitrous oxide (N2O) production. Three ruminally-cannulated beef heifers were used to incubate the following substrates in the rumen for 72h: soybean meal, EN, and unencapsulated NO3− (UEN). Because of immediate solubilisation, soluble nitrogen (N) fraction of UEN was assumed to be 100%. A non-linear regression model fitted to N disappearance of EN (R2=0.93, P<0.01) indicated 35.4% of soluble N fraction and 54.7% of slowly degradable N fraction. Two in vitro experiments were conducted where UEN and EN were incubated for 24h in buffer alone without substrate or in buffered-rumen fluid with substrates containing starch and xylan with urea, UEN, or EN as sole N sources. When UEN was incubated with buffer, 99.9% of UEN-NO3−-N was recovered as NO3−-N in the buffer over 24h. However, recovery of EN-NO3− as NO3−-N gradually increased over 24h up to 58%. When urea, EN or UEN were incubated with buffered-rumen fluid, total gas production decreased (P=0.022) for UEN compared with urea and EN. Methane production decreased (10.7 and 13.3 vs. 19.6mL; P<0.01) for UEN and EN, respectively, compared with urea. Hydrogen production considerably increased (P<0.01) for UEN compared with urea and EN without a difference between urea and EN. Nitrous oxide production was greater for UEN followed by EN and urea (20.8, 7.5 and 0.02μL, respectively; P <0.05). During the incubation with buffered-rumen fluid, 100% of UEN-NO3− was recovered as NO3−-N in the medium until 6h and then the recovery gradually decreased to 18% at 24h while recovery as NO2−-N increased up to 22% at 24h. However, recovery of EN-NO3−-N as NO3−-N in the medium increased by 20% at 12h and then gradually decreased to 5% at 24h without accumulation of NO2−-N in the medium. In conclusion, EN released NO3− slowly in the rumen and decreased CH4 production without negatively affecting microbial fermentation. Increases in H2 and N2O production and accumulation of NO3− and NO2− in the medium were not observed for EN compared with UEN, indicating that EN could be a promising NO3− source to lower CH4 production with less risk of NO3−/NO2− toxicity.

A push–pull strategy to control aphids combines intercropping with semiochemical releases

Even if insect pest populations can be reduced by increasing plant diversity through intercropping, natural enemies are not always favored in such systems. Alternatively, semiochemical substances have been tested to enhance biological control, with inconsistent results. Combining both strategies can be an interesting way to maximize pest control. In this work, a 2-year setup involving wheat–pea strip intercropping combined with the release of E-β-farnesene (EBF) or methyl salicylate (MeSA) was tested as a push–pull strategy to simultaneously repel aphids and attract beneficials. Two types of slow-release formulation (i.e., oil and alginate beads) containing EBF or MeSA were deployed with the intercropping. The abundance of aphids was significantly decreased, while hoverfly larvae and mummified aphids increased on both pea plants and wheat tillers by the release of oil-formulated EBF and MeSA. The proportion parasitism of the aphid-parasitism rate [mummies/(aphids + mummies)] was also increased by treating both crops in both years. Releasing EBF through oil rather than alginate beads proved significantly better for attracting natural enemies and reducing aphids. Aphids were negatively correlated with the density of hoverflies (both adults and larvae) and numbers of mummies. All these results showed that combining intercropping with the release of EBF or MeSA formulated in oil can significantly reduce aphid density and attract their natural enemies. Therefore, the combination of both strategies could help farmers reduce the use of insecticides.

A Controlled Antibiotic Release System for the Development of Single-Application Otitis Externa Therapeutics.

Ear infections are a commonly-occurring problem that can affect people of all ages. Treatment of these pathologies usually includes the administration of topical or systemic antibiotics, depending on the location of the infection. In this context, we sought to address the feasibility of a single-application slow-releasing therapeutic formulation of an antibiotic for the treatment of otitis externa. Thixotropic hydrogels, which are gels under static conditions but liquefy when shaken, were tested for their ability to act as drug controlled release systems and inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, the predominant bacterial strains associated with outer ear infections. Our overall proof of concept, including in vitro evaluations reflective of therapeutic ease of administration, formulation stability, cytocompatibility assessment, antibacterial efficacy, and formulation lifespan, indicate that these thixotropic materials have strong potential for development as otic treatment products.

Nutritional intervention by a novel slow-release niacin formulation beneficially alters the gut microbiome and promotes systemic metabolic effects in humans

Nutritional intervention by a novel slow-release niacin formulation beneficially alters the gut microbiome and promotes systemic metabolic effects in humans

40P - Antitumoral effect and reduced systemic toxicity in mice after intra-tumoral injection of an in vivo solidifying calcium sulfate formulation with docetaxel

Background: Docetaxel is a cytostatic agent approved for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer as well as other cancers. Its effectiveness in clinical practice is associated with a variety of acute and long term side effects. To reduce the systemic side effects, a local slow-release depot formulation based on calcium sulfate with docetaxel for intra-tumoral administration was developed. Methods: Two formulations with a twofold difference in docetaxel drug load (corresponding to 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg body weight) were manufactured with the calcium sulfate based NanoZolid™ technology. The formulations were injected intra-tumorally as a paste which solidified within the tumor. The effects of the two local depot formulations were tested in female mice (n = 60) inoculated with subcutaneous Lewis lung carcinoma cells. The slow-release depots were compared to systemic intraperitoneal injections of docetaxel (25.0 mg/kg) and a calcium sulfate placebo formulation. Tumor volumes were measured and systemic side effects were evaluated using body weight and cell counts from whole blood as well as plasma concentrations. In addition, a histological evaluation was performed. Results: Both docetaxel formulations showed a significantly higher antitumor efficacy compared to placebo, which was comparable to that of systemic administration of docetaxel. Moreover, the intra-tumoral depot formulations with docetaxel showed reduced systemic toxicity compared to systemic treatment, including less weight loss and no decrease in blood cell counts. The extracellular deposits of calcium sulfate, observed in all groups with intra-tumoral injections, did not lead to significant inflammatory changes. Conclusions: It was shown that intra-tumoral slow-release depots of calcium sulfate with docetaxel were well tolerated and released docetaxel at amounts sufficient for satisfactory local antitumor effect and for a low level plasma detection. The use of such depots can be an alternative to intravenous injection as an efficient antitumoral treatment with reduced systemic toxicity. Legal entity responsible for the study: Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Marie Jeansson Funding: This study was supported by an IGP Young Investigator grant (MJ), the Swedish Research Council (521-2012-865, MJ), Åke Wiberg Foundation (738866289, MJ), Magnus Bergvalls Foundation (24942-1-2013, 2014-00055, MJ), and Ture Stenholms Foundation for Surgical Research (MS) Disclosure: S. Grudén: Consultant for LIDDS AB. N. Axén: Consultant for LIDDS AB and have equity interests in LIDDS AB. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Slow-release formulations of the herbicide picloram by using Fe-Al pillared montmorillonite.

Slow-release formulations of the herbicide picloram (PCM, 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropyridine-2-carboxylic acid) were designed based on its adsorption on pillared clays (pillared clays (PILCs)) for reducing the water-polluting risk derived from its use in conventional formulations. Fe-Al PILCs were synthesized by the reaction of Na+-montmorillonite (SWy-2) with base-hydrolyzed solutions of Fe and Al. The Fe/(Fe+Al) ratios used were 0.15 and 0.50. The PCM adsorption isotherms on Fe-Al PILCs were well fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models. The PCM adsorption capacity depended on the Fe content in the PILCs. Slow-release formulations were prepared by enhanced adsorption of the herbicide from PCM-cyclodextrin (CD) complexes in solution. CDs were able to enhance up to 2.5-fold the solubility of PCM by the formation of inclusion complexes where the ring moiety of the herbicide was partially trapped within the CD cavity. Competitive adsorption of anions such as sulfate, phosphate, and chloride as well as the FTIR analysis of PCM-PILC complexes provided evidence of formation of inner sphere complexes of PCM-CD on Fe-Al PILCs. Release of the herbicide in a sandy soil was lower from Fe-Al PILC formulations relative to a PCM commercial formulation.

Release behavior and bioefficacy of imazethapyr formulations based on biopolymeric hydrogels

ABSTRACTControlled release formulations of imazethapyr herbicide have been developed employing guar gum-g-cl-polyacrylate/bentonite clay hydrogel composite (GG-HG) and guar gum-g-cl-PNIPAm nano hydrogel (GG-NHG) as carriers, to assess the suitability of biopolymeric hydrogels as controlled herbicide release devices. The kinetics of imazethapyr release from the developed formulations was studied in water and it revealed that the developed formulations of imazethapyr behaved as slow release formulations as compared to commercial formulation. The calculated diffusion exponent (n) values showed that Fickian diffusion was the predominant mechanism of imazethapyr release from the developed formulations. Time for release of half of the loaded imazethapyr (t1/2) ranged between 0.06 and 4.8 days in case of GG-NHG and 4.4 and 12.6 days for the GG-HG formulations. Weed control index (WCI) of GG-HG and GG-NHG formulations was similar to that of the commercial formulation and the herbicidal effect was observed for relatively longer period. Guar gum-based biopolymeric hydrogels in both macro and nano particle size range can serve as potential carriers in developing slow release herbicide formulations.

Influence of the mixtures composed of slow-release insecticide formulations against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae reared in pond water.

Vector borne diseases remain the major source of illness and death worldwide. Aedes aegypti is the primary carrier of dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever in many developing countries in the tropical world. Because A. aegypti populations are becoming more and more resistant to conventional and non conventional insecticides, alternative strategies have to be rapidly implemented in the future for dengue vector control. The present study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of slow-release formulations (SRFs) of bacterial insecticide Bactimos briquets blended with tow insect growth regulators (IGRs), Altosid XR – briquets and Dudim DT tablet respectively, against mosquito larvae of A. aegypti the primary vector of dengue fever in Jeddah governorate, Saudi Arabia. Semi-field trials were conducted at dengue mosquito research station, Dept. of Biological Sciences, faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The efficacy of the test formulations was calculated as the number of emerging adults compared to the initial number of larvae added or the inhibition of emergence (IE%). The assessment of effectiveness was made at weekly intervals until the level of efficacy decrease to ≤50% IE. The inhibition percentage of emergence of adult for each mixture weekly in addition to the calculation of the cycle of the effective centers for each mixture. Collectively, the results of the present investigation indicate that the combination of Bactimos with Altosid or Dudim maybe promising for controlling A. aegypti mosquito larvae provided that treatments persist at least during the whole dengue transmission season.

Remediating 1,4-dioxane-contaminated water with slow-release persulfate and zerovalent iron

1,4-dioxane is an emerging contaminant that was used as a corrosion inhibitor with chlorinated solvents. Metal-activated persulfate can degrade dioxane but reaction kinetics have typically been characterized by a rapid decrease during the first 30 min followed by either a slower decrease or no further change (i.e., plateau). Our objective was to identify the factors responsible for this plateau and then determine if slow-release formulations of sodium persulfate and Fe0 could provide a more sustainable degradation treatment. We accomplished this by conducting batch experiments where Fe0-activated persulfate was used to treat dioxane. Treatment variables included the timing at which the dioxane was added to the Fe0-persulfate reaction (T = 0 and 30 min) and including various products of the Fe0-persulfate reaction at T = 0 min (Fe2+, Fe3+, and SO42−). Results showed that when dioxane was spiked into the reaction at 30 min, no degradation occurred; this is in stark contrast to the 60% decrease observed when added at T = 0 min. Adding Fe2+ at the onset (T = 0 min) also severely halted the reaction and caused a plateau. This indicates that excess ferrous iron produced from the Fe0-persulfate reaction scavenges sulfate radicals and prevents further dioxane degradation. By limiting the release of Fe0 in a slow-release wax formulation, degradation plateaus were avoided and 100% removal of dioxane observed. By using 14C-labeled dioxane, we show that ∼40% of the dioxane carbon is mineralized within 6 d. These data support the use of slow-release persulfate and zerovalent iron to treat dioxane-contaminated water.

Antitumoral effect and reduced systemic toxicity in mice after intra-tumoral injection of an in vivo solidifying calcium sulfate formulation with docetaxel

BackgroundDocetaxel is a cytostatic agent approved for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer as well as other cancers. Although docetaxel is an effective cytostatic agent, its effectiveness in clinical practice is associated with a variety of acute and long term side-effects. To overcome systemic side-effects, a slow release formulation based on calcium sulfate with docetaxel for intra-tumoral administration was developed. MethodsTwo formulations with the calcium sulfate NanoZolid technology were generated with a twofold difference in docetaxel drug load. The formulations were injected intra-tumorally as a paste which solidified within the tumor. The effects of the two intra-tumoral injection formulations were tested in female mice (n=60) inoculated with subcutaneous Lewis lung carcinoma cells. The two formulations were compared to systemic intraperitoneal injection of docetaxel and a placebo formulation without docetaxel. Tumor volumes were measured and systemic side-effects were evaluated using body weight and cell counts from whole blood as well as plasma concentrations. ResultsBoth docetaxel formulations showed a significantly higher antitumor efficacy compared to placebo, which was comparable to that of systemic administration of docetaxel. Moreover, the intra-tumoral formulations with docetaxel showed reduced systemic toxicity compared to systemic treatment, including less weight loss and no decrease in blood cell counts. ConclusionsThe results suggest that intra-tumoral slow release calcium sulfate based formulations with docetaxel can be an alternative strategy as an efficient local antitumoral treatment with reduced systemic toxicity.

In-vivo evaluation of apocynin for prevention of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains impacts the efficacy of eradication therapy and promotes the development of alternative treatment strategies. Apocynin inhibits neutrophil NADPH oxidase and hence may decrease reactive oxygen species-mediated tissue damage in H. pylori-infected stomach tissue. Apocynin was tested in vitro for its cytotoxic and direct antibacterial effects. The therapeutic efficacy of orally administered apocynin (100 mg/kg/day through drinking water or 200 mg/kg/day through combined administration of drinking water and slow-release formulation) was assessed at 9 weeks after infection in the Mongolian gerbil model. Bacterial burdens were quantified by viable plate count and quantitative PCR. Histopathological evaluation of antrum and pylorus provided insight into mucosal inflammation and injury. Apocynin showed no cytotoxic or direct antibacterial effects in vitro or in vivo. Nine weeks of apocynin treatment at 200 mg/kg/day reduced active H. pylori gastritis as neutrophil infiltration in the mucous neck region and pit abscess formation decreased significantly. In our gerbil model, prolonged high-dose apocynin treatment significantly improved H. pylori-induced pit abscess formation without indications of drug toxicity and thus further investigation of the dosage regimen and formulation and the long-term impact on neoplastic development should be carried out.

Fine Root Growth Response to Soil-Applied Nitrogen and Paclobutrazol

Practices to promote tree root growth have been sought in arboriculture for many years, especially as a treatment for trees that are stressed or in decline. Tree fertilization is a common practice in arboriculture. A few research reports have shown that nitrogen fertilization can increase fine-root density in localized areas of soil where the fertilizer has been applied, but the effect on the whole root system has not been investigated. Research has reported fine-root stimulating effects from basal application of the growth regulator paclobutrazol, but results have not been consistent. More information is needed. A slow-release granular formulation of nitrogen was broadcast over the entire root system of mature oaks for four consecutive years, with or without a paclobutrazol basal drench in the first year. Nitrogen was also applied to younger green ash and black maple as granular broadcast or subsoil liquid soil injection for two consecutive years. There was no overall increase in fine-root development from any of the treatments, and no localized increase from soil injection application of nitrogen. Growth response of the crowns was minimal. Soil profiles were undisturbed with moderate natural nitrogen availability. The results suggest that routine fertilization of trees at standard recommended rates may be ineffective if soil fertility is moderate.

Design of atrazine containing polysaccharide based slow release formulations to control environmental hazards

Atrazine is more reliable, flexible, effective and less expensive herbicide than any other available weed control approaches. However, easy leaching of atrazine is a matter of great environmental and health concern which limits its strong recommendation for practical applicability. Hence, controlled release formulations of atrazine, specially based on natural polysaccharide, are required for delivery and resolve the problems associated with conventional formulations. In the present work, slow release atrazine containing alginate-agar based bead formulations have been prepared and characterized by scanning electron micrography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and swelling studies. The release of atrazine from the beads occurred through non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The release of atrazine from the beads in the soil has been observed slower and lesser in soil as compared to the in vitro release. Besides providing the slow release of atrazine, these formulations after degradation may enhance the fertility of the soil.

The LARO-MEN1 study: a longitudinal clinical experience with octreotide Long-Acting Release in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 Syndrome.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare hereditary tumoral syndrome, featured by a combination of neoplasms of various endocrine and nonendocrine tissues. Approximately 33% of MEN1-related deaths are due to the malignant behaviour of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), for which a preventive surgical treatment is not feasible. Somatostatin analogues (SSA) have been employed in the treatment of NETs in the stage of advanced or metastatic disease, in order to control the growth and secretion of tumor lesions. A longitudinal, open label study named "LARO-MEN1" was undertaken in order to assess whether early medical treatment with long-acting SSA could act as a preventive approach in small MEN1-related gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NETs. Thirty consecutive patients affected by MEN1 were screened and 8 patients with small (<2 cm) NETs and abnormal laboratory values of at least one of the GEP hormones were administered octreotide acetate slow-release formulation (LAR) (10 mg i.m. every 28 days). Octreotide LAR was effective in decreasing GEP hormones and overall safe in the majority of patients up to six years of treatment, maintaining the disease stable also in terms of tumor size. The positive outcomes of this study in MEN1 patients reinforce the results obtained in advanced NETs on the use of SSA, opening to the opportunity for preventive use of octreotide LAR, aimed to delay or even avoid surgery in these patients.

Influence of growing measures on weed interference and water status in maize

Growing modern hybrids in narrow plant spacing together with nitrogen and herbicide application gives an advantage to maize crops over weeds. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen form, maize row spacing and herbicide treatment on weed and maize biomass and water usage, as well as maize yield. The investigation was conducted at the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, Belgrade during 2014-2016. A field experiment was set up as a split-split-plot block design with four replications. The maize hybrid ZP388 was planted, and a standard and a slow-release form of urea were applied. For each N source, maize was grown at two row spacings: narrow of 50 cm, and standard of 70 cm, while weed control treatments included: C - without herbicide application, T - application of a pre-emergence mix of herbicides. Sowing was done in the second decade of April, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Six weeks after herbicide application, the fresh biomass of weeds uprooted from 1 m2 and aboveground biomass of ten crop plants per plot were measured together with dry matter after drying in a laboratory oven. Water content (%) in weed and maize plants was calculated as a relation between fresh and dry biomass. Maize yield was measured at the end of each growing season and calculated with 14% of moisture. All data were processed by ANOVA. The fresh and dry biomass of weeds were significantly (P&gt;0.05) higher in untreated control than in the treated variant, while differences in water content were not significant between the two treatments. Row spacing and urea form did not cause significant differences in weed parameters. Related to this, maize fresh and dry biomass, as well as water content, were higher in herbicide-treated variants than in control but differences were insignificant. Maize biomass was somewhat higher in 50 cm rows and after application of the slow-release urea fertilizer. Yield was higher from 70 cm rows and after application of the slow-releasing urea and the herbicides.

Nitric oxide donors for cervical ripening and induction of labour.

Nitric oxide donors for cervical ripening and induction of labour.

Evaluation of long-lasting microbial larvicide for malaria vector control in Kenya.

BackgroundOutdoor malaria transmission is becoming an increasingly important problem in malaria control in Africa. Larval control is a promising intervention as it can target both indoor and outdoor biting mosquitoes. However, the currently available biolarvicide formulations have a short effective duration, and consequently larval control incurs a high operational expense due to the requirement for frequent re-treatment of larval habitats. Formulations of biolarvicides with long-lasting effects is highly desired. A recently developed FourStar® slow-release briquet formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus was evaluated to test its efficacy on malaria vectors.MethodsThe study evaluated FourStar™ briquets 180-days formulation under semi-natural and natural conditions to test their efficacy in reducing the mosquito population in western Kenya. The semi-natural habitats used the formulation dissolved in rainwater with appropriate concentrations, and second-instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae were introduced and the number of surviving larvae and pupae produced was recorded daily as the outcome. The briquets formulation was then tested in natural habitats for efficacy on pupal productivity reduction in highland and lowland sites in western Kenya. The formulation was finally tested for efficacy in reducing adult mosquito populations in randomized clusters in western Kenya highland.ResultsIn semi-natural conditions, the FourStar™ briquets 180-days formulation completely inhibited mosquito pupal production in the first 3 months, and then reduced pupal productivity by 87–98% (P < 0.001) 4–6 months after application. In natural habitats, during the first 2 months no pupae were detected from any of the treated habitats in highland sites, and Anopheles spp. pupal density was reduced by 60–90% in the next 3–5 months (P < 0.001). In the lowland site, pupal productivity reduction was 100% in the first 3 months, and 75–90% in the next 4–5 months (P < 0.001). The randomized cluster trial found that the application of the briquets formulation reduced mean densities of indoor-biting mosquitoes by 76–82% (P < 0.001) and by 67–75% (P < 0.001) for outdoor-biting mosquitoes.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that long-lasting biological larviciding was effective in reducing pupal productivity of larval habitats, and reducing indoor and outdoor resting mosquitoes. The study suggests that long-lasting microbial larviciding may be a promising complementary malaria vector control tool and warrants further large-scale evaluation.

Effect of dry heating and ionic gum on the physicochemical and release properties of starch from Dioscorea

To meet the ever increasing industrial demand for excipients with desirable properties, modified starch is regarded as an alternative to it. With this in mind, the present study focuses on the modification of starches of Dioscorea from Jharkhand (India) using dry heat treatment with and without ionic gum. Modified starches were prepared using sodium alginate (1% w/w). Native and modified starches were subjected to heat treatment at 130°C for 2h and 4h. The effect of heating and ionic gum on the properties of Dioscorea starch was investigated. The amylose content, water holding capacity, micromeritic properties, swelling power, solubility and morphology of starches were evaluated. Dry heat treatment of starches without gum showed an increment in water-holding capacity after two-hours heating, but no such increment was found after four-hours heating. Oil binding capacity of starches modified with gum varied from 62% to 78%. Strongest effect of heat treatment occurred on the morphology of starches and thereby modified starches showed distorted surface morphology. Amylose content (21.09–21.89%) found to be decreased with the addition of gum which lead to decrease in paste clarity. Starches heated with gum at high-temperature resulted in restrict swelling and slight increase in solubility. Micromeritic properties of the modified starches showed the good flow properties. Further, the modified starches were investigated for in-vitro release studies and that the thermally modified derivatives can be a good prospect in slow release formulations.