Abstract

CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF A NOVEL INTELLIGENT POLYMER OBTAINED THROUGH CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF AN EXISTING POLYMER

Sarita Khade* and Dr. N. H. Aloorkar

ABSTRACT

Chemical modification is one of the promising technique to produce new polymers with desirable properties. This technique can be used for making polymers with tailor made properties required for pharmaceutical use. 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose was successfully modified with the help of phthalic anhydride followed by 24 hrs heating with continuous stirring. The chemically modified 2- hydroxy ethyl cellulose was confirmed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, elemental analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. FTIR studie of chemically modified 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose revealed that, structural changes has been taken place due to chemical modification. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies indicated that there was marked increase in number of protons in the structure of chemically modified 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose. Environmental sensitivity, especially pH sensitivity, of chemically modified 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose was evaluated by swelling studies in different pH environment and it was found that chemically modified 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose possess remarkable pH sensitivity. Drug release study revealed that diclofenac sodium was released at faster rate (94.23% within 7 hr) in alkaline medium as compared to acidic medium (68.15% at the end of 12 hr).

Keywords: Chemical modification, Elemental analysis, Phthalic anhydride, pH sensitivity.