ABSTRACT
Scientists throughout the world are in search of novel modified biopolymer to fabricate smart drug delivery systems based on hydrogel formulations using several cross-linkers like glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, epichlorhydrin, adipic acid dihydrazide, carbodiimide, genipin, etc. Agents that are fused into the polymeric structure like isocyanates, glutaraldehyde, polyepoxides, etc., and are extremely toxic in nature. In addition, these are susceptible to percolate out into the body on biodegradation of polymeric structure. As an alternative to these toxic cross-linking agents, the periodate-Schiff base staining technique is widely being used for cross-linking in biology and biochemistry. The mechanism of this cross-linking technique is based on the reaction in-between the Schiff reagent and the aldehydes produced via the periodate oxidation. During the past few decades, several researchers have already been studied on the natural gums and also, developed their dialdehyde derivatives via the periodate oxidation technique. These periodate oxidized gums are being used to cross-link gelatin, other proteins and chitosan to develop various smart systems for drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressing, edible films, etc. The current review presents a comprehensive discussion of the available reported literature on the periodate oxidation of various gums and their use as natural cross-linker.
ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology plays an important role in advanced biology and medicine research particularly in the development of potential site-specific delivery systems with lower drug toxicity and greater efficiency. These include microcapsules, liposomes, polymeric microspheres, microemulsions, polymer micelles, hydrogels, solid nanoparticles etc. In the present study, preparation and characterization of biopolymeric gelatin nanoparticles for encapsulating the antimicrobial drug sulfadiazine and its in vivo drug release in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) have been investigated. The nanoparticles prepared by second desolvation process varied in a size range 200 nm and 600 nm with a drug entrapment efficiency of 50% characterized by atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The drug release from the nanoparticles occurred up to 30% in a controlled manner.