Gelatin-carboxymethyl tamarind gum biocomposites: In vitro characterization & anti-inflammatory pharmacodynamics

• Novel gelatin-carboxymethyl tamarind gum biocomposites was synthesized.
• FTIR, thermal and X-ray study ensured compatibility between drug and polymers.
• FE-SEM image revealed irregular shape of the IPN microstructures.
• In vivo anti-inflammatory pharmacodynamics in rat model was encouraging.

In this study, gelatin and carboxymethyl tamarind gum (CTG) were chemically cross-linked to control the delivery of aceclofenac from their interpenetrating network (IPNs). Infrared spectra, thermal and X-ray data supported that drug and polymer was compatible in the composite hydrogels. Irregularly shaped IPN microstructures were seen under field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). IPN system was capable of entrapping about 96% of the drug fed. CTG in IPN structures suppressed the drug release rate in HCl solution (pH 1.2); however extended the same in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8). The drug release was controlled by polymer chain relaxation/swelling and simple diffusion in vitro. The anti-inflammatory activity of drug-loaded biocomposites lasted over 7 h in albino rats, thus suggesting their potential as an anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

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