EXPLOITING NATURAL POLYMER REINFORCED MICROSPHERES AND INVESTIGATING ITS CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE

The objective of current research work is exploring the use of natural mucilage for sustained release characteristics for the formulation of microspheres. Orifice ionic gelation method was used to formulate the microspheres by using complex-forming polymer sodium alginate in combination with isolated mucilage. Mucilage from Colocacia esculenta corms were isolated and combined with sodium alginate to fabricate in the form of microspheres. Resultant batches were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, swelling capacity, flow properties, particle size, and in-vitro dissolution behavior. Isolated mucilage was found to be swellable in water and amorphous in nature. FTIR and DSC study indicates compatibility between drug and selected polymer. All the formulations exhibit better flow properties. Particle size was found in the range of 780-880 micron. The optimized formulation is releasing the drug for the period of 12 h. Colocacia esculenta corms mucilage along with sodium alginate can be efficiently utilized to retard the drug release and minimize the side effects of the drug, so as to get maximum utilization of the desired dose.