Synthesis and Evaluation of Grafted Xanthan Gum as a Drug Carrier in Developing Lornoxicam Gel Formulations

Objectives: Natural polymers are chosen over semisynthetic and synthetic excipients due to their lack of toxicity, low cost, availability, soothing action, and nonirritant nature, as well as their ability to undergo a variety of chemical modifications. However, they have some drawbacks, including microbial contamination, lot to lot variation, reduced viscosity throughout storage, inappropriate mechanical properties, low storage, and an uninhibited rate of hydration. Current research work aims to chemically modify xanthan gum and study its impact on the formulation of topical gels. Materials and Methods: Chemical modification of xanthan gum is conceded by using a thiol‑esterification reaction with thioglycolic acid (TGA) in the presence of hydrochloric acid. Microwave irradiated thiolated xanthan gum was also willing by further irradiation of thiolated xanthan gum by microwave using 750 W frequency. Topical drug delivery of lornoxicam release applications of thiolated and microwave irradiated xanthan gum are comparatively evaluated with pure xanthan gum polymer by formulating gel incorporated lornoxicam as a drug. Results: The physical properties of gel‑like physical evaluation and viscosity results are within official limits. Formation of gel with idyllic properties. Determination of drug content, spreadability, and extrudability of modified xanthan gum was high compared with native xanthan gum. In vitro drug release study showed that prepared gel sustains the drug release for 24 h. Conclusion: Thiolation and irradiated xanthan gum sustain the release of lornoxicam over a prolonged period and might be a promising lornoxicam carrier in topical drug delivery to enhance antinociceptive and anti‑inflammatory efficiency.