Selective degradation, oxidation, and characterization of hydroxyethyl starch for potential use as a drug carrier

The selective degradation, oxidation, and characterization of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) was successfully carried out. Different mass fractions of HES were obtained through degradation either using acidic (hydrochloric acid) or enzymatic (-amylase) hydrolysis under controlled pH, temperature, and concentration. The degraded samples were successfully oxidized using sodium hypochlorite solution to convert cyclic ether into carboxylic acid group. The degraded and oxidized samples were tested for their molar masses and structural properties using different techniques. The samples were further characterized using FTIR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The solubility check was also performed and a significant enhancement in water solubility of the degraded products of HES was observed which increased further on oxidation. This increased solubility may be utilized to enhance the water solubility of the drugs through coupling with degraded and oxidized HES.