Saravanan Muniyandy
Monash University, Malaysia
Title: Carboxymethyl sago pulp: A smart polymer for pH sensitive release
Biography
Biography: Saravanan Muniyandy
Abstract
Carboxymethyl sago pulp (CMSP) with a degree of substitution of 0.4% was synthesized from Malaysian sago biomass. Because of the carboxyl functional group, CMSP shows a pH depended solubility. Drug loaded CMSP beads were formed by ionotropic gelation and further cross-linked by irradiation. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), a model drug was encapsulated in CMSP beads to target the release in the colon. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies indicated intact and amorphous nature of entrapped drug. The beads showed pH dependent sustained release over 9 h, and more than 90% of the drug was released only at pH 7.4. Irradiated beads were resisted the drug release in acidic environment at a higher extent than the non-irradiated beads. The swelling behaviour of the beads depended on polymer content and extent of cross-linking. The release exponent n value suggested a non-Fickian transport of 5-ASA.