Moringa gum-g-poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) - a potential buccoadhesive polymer

In the present study, MG-g-poly(NVP) was synthesized using microwave-assisted graft co-polymerization reaction. Synthesis of graft co-polymer was optimized using response surface methodology. The influence of concentration of Moringa gum, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and ammonium persulfate on grafting efficiency of graft copolymer was studied using 3-factor, 3-level central composite experimental design. The optimal calculated parameters were found to be concentration of Moringa gum-1% (w/v), N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-2% (w/v), and ammonium persulfate-10 mMol/L, which yielded a graft co-polymer of% grafting efficiency (24.23%). The graft co-polymer were further characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies. The results of characterization revealed that grafting of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone on Moringa gum decreases its crystallinity and makes its surface smoother. Graft copolymer was further evaluated for pharmaceutical application by formulating clotrimazole-loaded buccal discs. A comparative evaluation of buccal discs of graft co-polymer with native gum revealed higher ex-vivo bioadhesion time and greater sustained release effect of the graft copolymer than of native gum.