Modeling and Characterization of Drug Release from Glutinous Rice Starch Based Hydrogel Beads for Controlled Drug Delivery

Purpose: To identify the potential of Assam Bora rice in modulation of drug release from the formulated matrix devices and demonstrate its utility in pharmaceutical drug carrier systems. Methods: The hydrogel microbeads were prepared by an industrially feasible conventional ionotropic gelation method using the blends of pregelatinized Bora rice along with sodium alginate as mucoadhesive backbone. The potential of proposed natural polymer in modulation of drug release from the formulated microbeads was investigated through in vitro dissolution test conducted as per SUPAC-MR guidelines provided by FDA. Data obtained from in vitro release studies were fitted to various kinetic equations to find out the kinetics and mechanism of drug release from fabricated microbeads. Results: The microbeads were almost spherical, discreet and free flowing in a size range of about 0.726±0.008 mm to 1.16±0.009 mm. The different formulations had variable correlation with the different kinetic models under the different release environments. Conclusion: Assam Bora can be a promising option for mucoadhesive controlled drug delivery systems as natural substance. Keywords: Drug delivery, Bora rice starch, Release kinetics, Natural polymer.