Physiochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Limonia Acidissima Linn. Gum as a Novel Microencapsulating Agent in Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Limonia acidissima Linn.  gum (LAG) was characterized for various physiochemical properties like acid value, solubility, swelling index, ash value, particle size & size distribution, loss on drying, viscosity, melting point and glass transition temperature etc. Microspheres of LAG were prepared by a spray drying technique by using various drug to polymer ratios ranging from 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:3.5, 1:4, 1:4.5, 1:5 by using Diclofenac sodium as a model drug. Microspheres of LAG were prepared were evaluated for various micromeritic properties, particle size determination, drug loading, in-vitro drug release studies. Prepared LAG microspheres were also evaluated for surface topography and morphology by scanning electron microscopy & further subjected for accelerated stability studies according to ICH guidelines. The results of the present study indicates that, the prepared LAG microspheres were of uniform size with smooth surface & free flowing in nature and successfully able to sustained the drug release more than 14 hours & results of accelerated stability studies indicates that no significance change was observed in content of uniformity & in-vitro drug release. So, in the present study sustained release of Diclofenac sodium in pharmaceutical applications was successfully achieved with the help of LAG microspheres prepared by spray drying technique.