Development of controlled release spheroids using natural polysaccharide as release modifier.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Diclofenac sodium is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• Developing sustained-release formulations is crucial for improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy.
• Natural polysaccharides offer potential as biocompatible excipients for drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a polysaccharide hydrogel from Tamarindus indica seeds.
• To utilize the isolated polysaccharide as a release modifier for diclofenac sodium spheroids.
• To evaluate the in vitro release kinetics and in vivo bioavailability of the developed spheroids.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of polysaccharide hydrogel from tamarind seeds.
• Preparation of diclofenac sodium spheroids using the extrusion-spheronization technique.
• Characterization of spheroids (morphology, porosity, density, flow properties).
• In vitro drug release studies and kinetic modeling (Higuchi, Peppas).
• Comparative bioavailability study in vivo.

Main Results:

• The tamarind polysaccharide hydrogel was successfully isolated and characterized.
• Diclofenac sodium spheroids with satisfactory properties were prepared.
• In vitro release studies demonstrated zero-order kinetics, sustained release over 8 hours.
• A correlation was found between polysaccharide properties (swelling, viscosity) and drug release.
• The developed spheroids significantly improved diclofenac sodium absorption and bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Tamarind seed polysaccharide is a viable natural polymer for developing sustained-release drug delivery systems.
• The extrusion-spheronization technique is suitable for preparing diclofenac sodium spheroids using this polysaccharide.
• The developed spheroids offer improved bioavailability and sustained drug release, indicating therapeutic potential.