Modified starch (cationized)-alginate beads containing aceclofenac: Formulation optimization using central composite design

Sustained aceclofenac release cationized starch-alginate beads were developed through ionotropic gelation. The effects of sodium alginate and cationized starch amounts as independent process variables on drug encapsulation, and drug release were optimized using central composite design. The optimized beads showed drug encapsulation efficiency of 88.26 +/- 3.78% and cumulative drug release of 26.28 +/- 1.21% after 6h of dissolution. The average size of all these beads ranged from 1.08 +/- 0.08 to 1.48 +/- 0.18mm. The developed beads were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. The in vitro dissolution of these beads showed prolonged sustained release of aceclofenac over 6h, which followed first-order model with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. The swelling and degradation of the optimized beads were influenced by pH of test mediums. These newly developed beads were found suitable for sustained delivery of aceclofenac for prolonged period.