Carboxymethyl sago pulp/carboxymethyl sago starch hydrogel: Effect of polymer mixing ratio and study of controlled drug release

Carboxymethyl sag o pulp (CMSP)/carboxymethyl sago starch (CMSS) hydrogel was synthesized by electron beam irradiation. In the series of hydrogels prepared, 40%/20% CMSP/CMSS hydrogel had the highest gel fraction. The swelling capacity of CMSP/CMSS hydrogel was found to be highest in distilled water, followed by pH 11, pH 7.4, and pH 1.2. Scanning Electron Microscope photographs revealed that the drug-loaded hydrogel had a smoother surface than unloaded hydrogel. Fourier Transform Infrared and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis showed the absence of interaction between the hydrogels and the drug. All drug-loaded hydrogels had drug encapsulation efficiency between 63% and 69%. CMSP/CMSS hydrogel swelled and allowed the release of drug at pH 7.4. These properties qualify the hydrogel as a potential candidate for controlled drug release at the ocular and colonic regions.