RESUMO
The design of new interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) between countercharged polymers (Eudragit EPO (EPO) and Eudragit L100 (L100)) was investigated. The formation and chemical composition of three new IPECs between EPO and L100 was established by elemental analysis. The structure and solid state properties of the synthesized IPEC were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and modulated temperatre differential scanning calorimetry (MTDSC). The binding ratio of a unit molecule of EPO with L100 was found to range between 1:0.98 (Z = 1.02) and 1:0.50 (Z = 2.00) while increasing the pH from 6.0 to 7.0. As a result of electrostatic interaction between the copolymer chains, the glass transition temperature of the IPEC increased significantly. Considerable pH-sensitive swelling in acidic and neutral media was observed for different type of IPECs. Through evaluation of diffusion-transportation properties of the IPECs, basic mechanisms controlling the delivery of chemically different drugs (diclofenac sodium and theophylline) were obtained. The results of swelling and release of the model drugs from the polycomplex matrices confirm that they have potential to be used in oral controlled drug delivery.
