Ionically Cross-linked Pectin-alginate Hydrogel Beads for Prolonged Release of Glibenclamide

Background: Glibenclamide is a second-generation sulfonylurea extensively associated with the therapy of diabetes mellitus. A sustained release of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract may aid in maintaining therapeutic range for an extended period of time. Alginate and pectin are two commonly used biopolymers in the field of drug delivery with favourable biodegradation and biocompatibility. Materials and Methods: In the present study, pectin-alginate hydrogel beads were developed for intestinal delivery of glibenclamide. A barium ion (Ba+2) induced ionic gelation technique was employed for synthesising pH sensitive beads by varying the ratio of sodium alginate and pectin. The FTIR study confirmed the compatibility between drugs and polymers. The developed beads were evaluated for scanning electron microscopic study, drug entrapment efficiency (DEE), bead size, swelling ratio, and in-vitro dissolution study. Results: The microscopic images exhibited hemispherical shaped beads with cracked and rough surfaces. The DEE study reported to vary between 78.38 ± 1.17 % and 92.08 ± 0.64 %. The mean size of the bead was found to be 668.81 ± 2.10 μm to 984.62 ± 2.84 μm. A pH dependent swelling was observed, which indicated a restricted water uptake in an acidic medium and an increased water uptake in alkaline pH. The in-vitro dissolution study demonstrated a sustained release of drug with increasing pectin concentration up to 12 h. Conclusion: The study findings reported the successful development of Ba+2 ions cross-linked pectin-alginate hydrogel beads for sustained delivery of glibenclamide.