Malic Acid-Adipic Acid-Butane-1,4-diol Co-polyester for Gastro-Resistant Drug Delivery

By : M. Abu Bakr, M. Ashadul Islam, Abu Mahmud, Mithun Sarker

Page No: 1-8

Abstract
Malic acid-adipic acid-butane 1,4-diol co-polyester was synthesized using Dean-Stark apparatus and xylene as the reaction medium. Anhydrous FeCl3 (approximately 0.4% of the total weight) was used as catalyst. The polycondensation reaction was carried out for 5 hours followed by 1 hour post curing at 130-135°C. The synthesized co-polyester was characterized by its IR-spectrum, molecular weights, solubility in common organic solvents, elemental analysis and hydrolytic degradation test. It was found that the polyester sample did not degrade or swell in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) for two hours. But it gradually degraded in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). Because of such pH-responsive degradation characteristics, it was tried for gastro-resistant drug delivery and diclofenac sodium (core tablets) was used as model drug. The drug release characteristics of the co-polyester correspond to British Pharmacopoeia standard drug release profile of gastro-resistant drug coating material.

Authors :
M. Abu Bakr and M. Ashadul Islam : Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
Abu Mahmud : Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
Mithun Sarker  : Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.