Impact of various monomers on release of losartan potassium from guar gum based polymeric network

Present study was carried out to analyze the impact of three different monomers on release of losartan potassium from graft polymeric network prepared through free radical polymerization. N, N-methylene bis acrylamide was used as crosslinker and potassium persulfate as initiator. Losartan potassium as used as model drug because, it has very small plasma half-life and wide range of applications as an effective and efficient ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) causing lower incidence of side - effects. Influence of three different monomers on swelling and in vitro drug release of the delivery system was evaluated at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The polymeric networks were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis and Scanning electron microscopy. Polymeric network prepared with acrylic acid and methacrylic acid showed pH responsive behavior and while acrylamide based nexus exhibited pH independent style in swelling and drug release. However, among all the formulations, maximum swelling ratio (25.86) and optimal prolonged drug release (82.92%) was observed for GG-co-AA (M2) polymeric network at intestinal pH 7.4. The results indicated that GG-co-AA polymeric network could be an impending pH-sensitive drug delivery system for Losartan potassium. (M2) designated as formulation code with varying acrylic acid contents.