Drug loading in pulp cellulose fiber and its release behavior

Abstract

In this present investigation, we are proposing cellulosic fibers (natural origin), to be used as drug carrier. Among the drug molecules sodium bicarbonate (an antacid) and paracetamol (a neutral anti-inflammatory) were selected to load into the cellulose fibers. Drug loading was carried out in cellulosic fibers by standard technique. Drug loaded fibers were properly washed to remove any surface adhered drug molecule. Then these drug loaded fibers were dipped into release medium with a constant stirring at three different temperatures i.e. 30°C, 35°C, and 40°C. Drug released from the fibers into phosphate buffered saline at above mentioned temperatures were estimated at various time intervals by measuring the absorption maxima of the drug by using the UV- spectrophotometer. From these measurements and the use of a mathematical model, we were able to determine the diffusion coefficients for sodium bicarbonate and paracetamol at various temperatures and finally activation energy values (12.8 kJ/mol for NaHCO3, and 19.8 kJ/mol for paracetamol) were determined .Therefore, this extensive investigation was undertaken to examine the hypothesis whether the cellulosic fibers (natural) can be used as a effective drug carrier. In order to fulfil the aim a suitable mathematical model was used based on the geometry of the drug carrier and appropriate initial and boundary conditions.