Alginate-chitosan/MWCNTs nanocomposite: a novel approach for sustained release of Ibuprofen

The use of alginate as excipient in dosage formulation is a common trend due to mild gelling ability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and mucoadhesive properties. However, these formulations possess major disadvantages, such as rapid hydration, burst release, and difficulty in controlling the process. Hence, this study presents a novel water-insoluble alginate-chitosan/MWCNTs formulation having greater porosity (Surface area 7.854 m2/g) with mechanical (Youngs Modulus 249.17 N/mm) and thermal stability (stable up to 570 ℃). Ibuprofen was selected as a model drug to evaluate the entrapment efficiency and sustained delivery from synthesized excipients. The structure of successfully prepared nanocomposite is characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM, TGA/DSC, XRD, BET, and tensile testing. It was observed that ibuprofen was successfully encapsulated (88%) in CD90 formulation. COOH-MWCNTs nanofillers improved the releasing capacity of alginate-based formulation (CD90) and prolonged the sustained delivery (68%, obtained in 6 h). It is explored that polymer nanocomposite composed of alginate-chitosan/MWCNTs are sensitive to temperature and pH. The kinetic processes followed by ibuprofen to diffuse from the synthesized formulations are first-order, non-Fickian, and intraparticle diffusion in which the rate of ibuprofen diffusion is greater than the polymer relaxation.