Study of a cross-linked hydrogel of Karaya gum and Starch as a controlled drug delivery system

Abstract

A cross-linked hydrogel was synthesized using a hybrid backbone of karaya gum starch and grafted with polyacrylic acid. It showed a maximum swelling ratio (SR) of 30.5 g/g at pH 10 and was explored as an oral drug delivery carrier using paracetamol and aspirin as model drugs. In vitro release experiments revealed that maximum drug release at pH 7.4 in comparison to pH 1.2 (simulated intestinal vs gastric fluid) and neutral medium. The release profiles of these drugs showed no initial burst. It also showed good hemocompatibilty and non-cytotoxicity for its employment as a site specific drug delivery agent.

Keywords:

• natural polymers
• biocompatible
• hemocompatible
• non-cytotoxicity
• polysaccharide

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The financial support given by DAV University Jalandhar and the Instrument facilities at Dr B R Ambedkar NIT Jalandhar are gratefully acknowledged.