Biopharmaceutical evaluation of diclofenac sodium controlled release tablets prepared from gum karaya − chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes

Abstract

The phenomena of polymer interactions and formation of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of oppositely charged polymers have been the focus of interest in fundamental and applied research. Such PECs may possess unique properties that are different from those of individual polymers. In the present study, attempts were made to prepare PECs of negative colloid gum karaya (GK) and positively charged polysaccharide chitosan (CH). The association and factors affecting the interactions between GK and CH were studied by pH and conductivity studies. The dried complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy. The PECs were utilized for encapsulation of diclofenac sodium. Selected polyelectrolyte microparticles were compressed into tablets and were compared with commercial sustained release product Voveran SR^®. Positive results of the study indicated the applicability of PECs in the design of oral controlled release drug delivery systems.

Keywords::

• Polyelectrolyte complexes
• diclofenac sodium
• chitosan
• gum karaya
• controlled release

Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely thank M/s. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Hyderabad, India, for providing the gift samples of diclofenac sodium I.P., M/s. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad, India, for providing nimesulide and HPMC K 100M, M/s. Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, India, for providing chitosan and M/s. Girijan Co-operative Corporation Visakhapatnam, India, for providing gum karaya.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.