Design of phosphated cross-linked microspheres of bael fruit gum as a biodegradable carrier

Abstract

Present work was aimed at designing of phosphated cross-linked microspheres of bael fruit gum (BFG) by emulsification method using sodium-tri-meta phosphate as a cross-linking agent for treatment of colon cancer using 5-fluorouracil as model drug. Stirring speed was found to be 1,000 rpm for about 5 h to be optimal to obtain reproducible microspheres. It was found that there is an increase in particle size as polymer concentration is increased whereas a reduction in particle size was observed as there is increase in stirring speed. Cross-linked BFG microspheres were successfully prepared by emulsification method. Optimum surfactant concentration was found to be 2 % w/w. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed that the drug-loaded microspheres were non-aggregated and in spherical shape. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared-spectroscopy studies showed that drug and excipients are compatible. Release studies showed that drug release was more profound in cecal medium induced with enzymes causing degradation of the cross linked BFG than that of the release showed in simulated intestinal fluid. Stability studies showed that there were no significant changes in the drug content and physical appearance of microspheres.

Bael (Aegle marmelos), an Underutilized Fruit with Enormous Potential to Be Developed as a Functional Food Product: A Review

“…Bael fruit gum is a nonionic polysaccharide containing a high amount of galacturonic acid and D-galactose providing a greater solubility and water-holding capacity [51,52]. A different study has shown the use of gum as a gelling agent in food items, as a carrier molecule for controlling drug release, and as an adhesive material [53]. In a study performed by Mirza et al, a nanocomposite scaffold of Bael fruit with chitosan and hydroxyapatite revealed that the nanocomposite exhibits enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation [54].…”

A Review on New Trends in Preparation of Long Acting Microspheres

“…Bael fruit gum is also used to prepare microspheres of 5-FU by using as cross linking agent such as sodium trimeta phosphate in emulsification method. Encapsulating 5-FU was evaluated for anticancer efficacy against colon cancer (50) .…”

Fabrication and characterization of carboxymethylated bael fruit gum with potential mucoadhesive applications

“…Due to its wide availability in nature, biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity, it represents an alluring biopolymer for a number of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. 6 Despite the fact that BFG and its derivatives have various advantages, they, like other polysaccharides, are associated with numerous drawbacks such as easier susceptibility to microbial attack, pH dependent solubility and uncontrollable rates of hydration. Carboxymethylation has emerged as a versatile modication technique not only in eliminating such drawbacks, but also to improve its swelling and solubilization behavior.…”