Design and Optimization of Ziziphus mauritiana Fruit Polysaccharide-Based Beads for Controlled Release of Propranolol Hydrochloride Using Response Surface Methodology

Background

Polysaccharides from nature have attracted significant interest as biocompatible and eco-friendly polymers used as carriers in drug delivery systems. ZMBP, which stands for Ziziphus mauritiana fruit pulp polysaccharide, is an example of such polymers; nevertheless, it is crucial to optimize its formulation for effective release of drugs. The objective of this research was to formulate and optimize propranolol hydrochloride loaded on ZMBP based polymeric beads.

Materials and Methods

The ZMBP was isolated, characterized and used to formulate polymeric beads via ionotropic gelation process using different concentrations of ZMBP, sodium alginate and tragacanth. RSM design was used as the optimization method. The prepared beads were evaluated for their particle size, entrapment efficiency, swelling property, drug release and kinetics.

Results

ZMBP had a yield of 10.7%, an amorphous structure. The optimized model was found to be statistically significant (p=0.0012) and ZMBP and sodium alginate were found to be the main factors that influenced the performance of formulations. The developed beads had sizes in the range of 0.78-0.91 mm, entrapping efficiency of 91.58-98.54%, pH dependent swelling, and biphasic release pattern with controlled release for up to 12 hr.

Conclusion

Optimized ZMBP-based polymeric beads provide an effective, tunable, and sustainable platform for controlled drug delivery.