Basic butylated methacrylate copolymer/kappa-carrageenan interpolyelectrolyte complex: preparation, characterization...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Technology

Background:

• Interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) are formed by the electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged polymers.
• Carrageenan and methacrylate-based polymers are widely used in various applications, including drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) between a basic butylated methacrylate copolymer and kappa-carrageenan.
• To evaluate the potential of this IPEC as a matrix for controlled drug release.

Main Methods:

• Turbidity measurements and elemental analysis to confirm IPEC formation and stoichiometry.
• FT-IR spectroscopy for structural confirmation.
• Electron microscopy, image analysis, and gas adsorption for material characterization.
• Swelling behavior studies as a function of pH.
• In vitro drug release studies using ibuprofen as a model drug.

Main Results:

• A 1:1 interaction between the repeating units of the copolymer and kappa-carrageenan was confirmed, indicating successful IPEC formation.
• The resulting IPEC exhibited a porous structure with excellent flowability and compactibility.
• The IPEC showed pH-dependent swelling behavior with two distinct maxima.
• Controlled zero-order release of ibuprofen was achieved, and release profiles could be modulated by altering the IPEC proportion in tablets.

Conclusions:

• A novel, porous IPEC with favorable physical properties was successfully synthesized.
• The IPEC demonstrates significant potential as a matrix for controlled zero-order drug release.
• The drug release characteristics can be tuned by adjusting the IPEC composition, offering a versatile platform for pharmaceutical formulations.