Characterization and evaluation of smart starch from Kyllinga nemoralis

Starch from Kyllinga nemoralis (KNSS) rhizomes was investigated for its morphological, chemical and functional properties in order to utilize its potential as a pharmaceutical adjuvant. Rhizomes of K. nemoralis yielded an appreciable amount of starch that is 19.77% (w/w). Amylose content was measured as of 28.66%. The shapes of starch granules were mostly round, disc like, flat and the size varied from 3.93 to 9.45 μm. Further polysaccharide nature of KNSS was confirmed by FTIR spectra. The solubility and swelling power was found to be increased with the increase in the temperature. Micromeritic properties of the isolated starch showed unique feasibility of KNSS being used as a pharmaceutical excipient. The TGA data revealed that KNSS is thermally stable with less bound water. In vitro release study confirmed that KNSS in pH 6.8 slows down the release of the drug smartly compared to pH 1.2, due its ability to respond to the external pH-stimuli. Release profile proved that KNSS could find an application as a smart polymer for its stimuli-responsive and bio-related applications such as drug delivery.