Effect of glycerol diglycidyl ether crosslinker on pectin-starch blended pharmaceutical films

Pharmaceutical films can show versatility and biocompatibility. Pectin and starch blends crosslinked with glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE) can improve the physicochemical properties of films. This study aimed to develop films with pectin and starch crosslinked with GDE. They were prepared by solvent evaporation technique, using different amounts of polymers and GDE. The total solids concentration was optimized to 5.0 % (w/w) and dried at 35 °C. Films were evaluated for thickness, density and by ATR-FTIR, TGA, DSC, tensile tests, swelling capacity, water vapor permeability, SEM and in-vitro cytotoxicity (Artemia salina, VERO and L-929 cells). The thickness of the crosslinked films was between 0.142 mm and 0.150 mm. ATR-FTIR analysis showed probable crosslinking between the polysaccharides and GDE. Thermal and mechanical analyses showed thermal stability below Tg for those crosslinked with GDE and improved mechanical strength. Crosslinked films absorbed more water at neutral pH than in acidic medium, indicating pH-dependent behavior. At neutral pH, they exhibited a hydrated structure with homogeneous pore distribution, while at acidic pH, the distribution was more heterogeneous and in lower quantity. The films were not cytotoxic. These results highlight the potential of GDE cross-linked pectin-starch films as a viable and innovative alternative for future pharmaceutical applications.