In this study, aceclofenac-loaded IPN nanocomposites were developed based on natural polysaccharides namely chitosan (CS) and locust bean gum (LBG) using glutaraldehyde as cross-linker. Infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of composite materials and ensured the chemical compatibility between drug and polymers. The effect of component polymers on the drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) and particle size of the composites was examined. Increasing LBG content actually decreased the DEE from 72% to 40% and produced larger particles of 372-485nm dimensions. However, an opposite trend was noted as the concentration of CS was increased. Out of these composites, the maximum drug entrapment efficiency of 78.92% and smallest composites of 318nm-size was obtained at LBG: CS mass ratio of 1:5. However, CS: LBG (1:5) provided the slowest drug release profiles in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8) up to 8h. The drug release data corroborated well with the swelling properties of the nanocomposites. The composite systems efficiently suppressed the burst release of drug in acidic medium (pH 1.2). The drug delivery from the nanocomposites occurred via anomalous transport mechanism in vitro. Overall, this novel chitosan- and LBG-based nanocomposites system could minimize the gastrointestinal side effects of the drug by providing medication in a slow sustained fashion.
Keywords: Chitosan; Drug delivery; Interpenetrating network; Locust bean gum; Nanocomposites.
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