Fabrication and statistical optimization of starch-κ-carrageenan cross-linked hydrogel composite for extended release pellets of zaltoprofen.

The current study was aimed to develop extended release (ER) pellets formulations containing zaltoprofen as a model drug and cross-linked starch-κ-carrageenan (Sκ-C) hydrogel composite as a binder and extended release polymer. The Sκ-C cross-linked hydrogel composites were prepared using a 32 full factorial design approach and characterized by FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM analysis. The matrix pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization technique and characterized production yield, FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM, optical microscopy, flow characteristics, mucoadhesiveness, in-vitro dissolution and in-vivo pharmacokinetic parameter. The FTIR interpretation of Sκ-C cross-linked hydrogel composite provides the significant result as a formation of hemiacetal group and keton group of glyoxal is abolished; hence it could be satisfied that Sκ-C cross-linked hydrogel composite was formed. The optimized formulation (Sκ-C2) was contained 4:2 ratio of starch and κ-carrageenan of Sκ-C cross-linked hydrogel composite showed in-vitro drug release up to 99.15 ±â€¯2.20% up to 12h, and mucoadhesion of 94.00 ±â€¯2.00 up to 12 h, respectively and in-vivo parameter were showed decrease in C max and increase in t1/2 significantly and drug release >12 h. Hence it was concluded that optimized formulation (Sκ-C2) showed acceptable release pattern, hence would be the viable alternative to ER type formulations.