Browsing by Author "Akin-Ajani, O. D."
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Item Application of the Gurnham equation in characterizing the compressibility of fonio and sweet potato starches and their paracetamol tablet formulations(Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia, 2018-02) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Itiola, O. A.; Odeku, O. A.Background: A number of empirical relationships have been proposed to describe the compaction of pharmaceutical materials, among them are the Heckel, Kawakita and Gurnham equations. Objective: To characterize the compressibility of fonio, sweet potato and corn starches and their paracetamol formulations using the Gurnham and Kawakita equations, and to determine the complementarity of these equations. Materials and Methods: Starches were extracted from fonio (Digitaria exilis) grains and sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) tubers and modified by acid hydrolysis for 96 h. Paracetamol formulations containing 2.5–10.0 %w/w starch binders were prepared by wet granulation. Packing and compaction properties of native and modified starches and their formulations were determined using tapping procedures. The data obtained was analyzed using the Gurnham and Kawakita equations. Results: The ranking for Gurnham compressibility, c, for the starches was sweet potatocornfonio, which was inversely related to the ranking for Kawakita maximum volume reduction, a and angle of internal flow, θ. There was no clear-cut pattern in the Gurnham compressibility of paracetamol formulation probably due to its multicomponent nature. There was correlation between c, a and θ for all the starches with the modified starches exhibiting higher compressibility than native starches. There appeared to be no correlation between c and Kawakita compressibility index, b. Conclusion: The Gurnham equation appeared useful in characterising compressibility in single component systems and could be used along with Kawakita functions, to gain a better understanding of the deformation of powdered materials under pressure.Item Comparative Evaluation of the Disintegrant Properties of Starches from Three Cultivars of Dioscorea rotundata (Poir)(University of Huddersfield Press, 2022) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Agbomeji, O. I.; Odeku, O. A.; Ahmadu, U.Dioscorea rotundata Poir starches from three cultivars (Lagos, Giwa, and Sule) were evaluated as exo-disintegrants (5 and 10%w/w) in paracetamol tablet formulations to determine whether the similarity in their physicochemical and material properties translates to performance in tablet formulation. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation and were evaluated for compressional properties (Heckel equation), mechanical strength (crushing strength and friability), and drug release (disintegration and dissolution times). Plastic deformation occurred in all tablets with rank order for the onset of plastic deformation Lagos>Giwa>Sule. An increase in the concentration of disintegrants in the tablets led to a decrease in mean yield pressure, total relative precompression density, and relative density at low pressure, but an increase in relative density at zero pressure. The crushing strength and disintegration times of the tablets were dependent on the disintegrants' concentration. All tablets passed the disintegration test (≤15min) with tablets containing the Sule cultivar producing the fastest disintegration (p<0.05). Tablets containing 10% of the Sule cultivar had the fastest release of paracetamol (t80=32.1min), though it failed the compendial standard for immediate release tablets (t80≤30min). Starches from the three cultivars despite their similar physicochemical and material properties exhibited different disintegrant properties and could find different applications as excipients in tablet formulations.Item Effect of acid modification on the material and compaction properties of fonio and sweet potato starches(Wiley Online Library, 2014-03) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Itiola, O. A.; Odeku, O. AStarches obtained from the grains of white fonio (Digitaria exilis) and tubers of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) have been modified by acid hydrolysis at different steeping times – (0, 24 and 96 h) and the physicochemical, material and compaction properties of the modified starches have been evaluated in comparison with official corn starch. The effect of acid modification on the compaction properties of the starches were evaluated with the aim of determining their usefulness as excipients in direct compression. The results showed that the physicochemical and material properties of the starches varied considerably depending on their botanical source. Acid modification led to an increase in solubility and relative crystallinity but decrease in swelling and viscosity of the starches. The effects were found to depend on the steeping time during acid hydrolysis. The results of the compressional properties indicated that the starches formed intact tablets at relatively low compression pressure with acid modified starches forming tablets with higher tensile strength than the natural starches. The results indicate that the physicochemical and compaction properties of white fonio and sweet potato starches were improved by acidmodification yielding starches that could be suitable as directly compressible excipient.Item Evaluation of the disintegrant properties of native and modified forms of fonio and sweet potato starches(Wiley Online Library, 2016-10) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Itiola, O. A.; Odeku, O AThe effects of acid modification on the disintegrant properties of two native starches obtained from Digitaria exilis (white fonio) and Ipomea batatas (sweet potato) were evaluated in comparison with official corn starch in paracetamol tablet formulations. The starches were extracted from grains of white fonio and tubers of sweet potato, and modified by acid hydrolysis using 6% w/w hydrochloric acid for 48 h. The native and modified forms of the starches were employed as exo-disintegrants in paracetamol tablet formulations at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0% w/w. The disintegrant properties were assessed using crushing strength (Cs), friability (Fr), disintegration time (DT), disintegrant efficiency ratio (DER), and the dimensionless quantity DERc. The results showed that crushing strength and friability of the tablets appeared to depend on the type, concentration, and nature of disintegrant used. Disintegration time generally decreased with increase in disintegrant concentration and the values complied with the pharmacopoeial standard for uncoated tablets (_15 min). Tablets containing acid modified starches showed longer disintegration times than those containing the native starches although there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the values. Acid modification generally increased the disintegration efficiency ratio (DER) of the formulations while the values of DERc indicated that sweet potato starch would be the most efficient disintegrant with greater ability to enhance the balance between the mechanical and disintegration properties of the tablet. Thus, the experimental starches compared well with corn starch as disintegrants and could be useful for commercial tablet formulations.Item Evaluation of the mechanical and release properties of lactose and microcrystalline cellulose and their binary mixtures as directly compressible excipients in paracetamol tablets(International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC), 2020-06) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Odeku, O. A.; Olumakinde-Oni, OBinary mixtures of microcrystalline cellulose MCC (A), and lactose (L) in ratios at 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75% respectively were prepared. The binary mixtures were subjected to microscopical analysis and density measurements. The mechanical properties of paracetamol tablets formulated with the above excipients were assessed for tensile strength, bonding capacity (using the Ryshkewitch-Duckworth relation) and friability, while drug release properties were assessed for disintegration and dissolution times. The dissolution profiles were fitted into dissolution model equations to determine release mechanism and similarity of release. Microscopic analysis showed that the lactose particles were large, crystalline, and acicular in shape whereas the MCC particles were smaller and irregularly shaped. The binary mixtures had particle shape and sizes in between the parent compounds. The particle size of A25:L75 however, was larger than that of the proprietary brand, Microcelac®. Bulk and tapped densities increased with increasing amounts of MCC in the binary mixtures while particle density had an inverse relationship. Tablets containing A75:L25 had the highest tensile strength and bonding capacity and lowest friability in comparison to other binary mixtures and Microcelac®. However, tablets containing A75:L25 did not show superiority to Microcelac® in terms of paracetamol release. Its release, however, followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model indicating a super case II transport mechanism. Only comparisons of tablet combinations of Lactose: A25:L75 and MCC: A50:L50 had a similarity factor, f2 >50. Tablets made of A75:L25 exhibited the highest mechanical and release properties of the binary mixtures, as directly compressible excipient in comparison to the parent compounds and Microcelac®. This mixture, A75:L25 therefore, could be developed for commercial use in tablet formulations.Item Formulation and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Isopropyl Hand Sanitizer using Co-processed Excipients(African Journals OnLine, 2020-02) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Ajala T. O.; Ogunnubi M. ABackground: In response to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa in the year 2014, which caused the Ebola haemorrhagic fever, the WHO alcohol-based hand rub formulation was adopted in addition to regular hand washing to prevent the spread. However, other formulation factors rather than alcohol concentration alone can greatly influence the overall antimicrobial efficacy of hand disinfectants. Objective: To formulate an antimicrobial hand sanitizer using co-processed carriers. Methodology: Carbopol (F), HPMC (G) and co-processed forms of both polymers in batches- 1:1(A), 1:2(B), 1:4(C), 2:1(D) and 4:1(E) respectively were used. The polymers were characterized, and used as carriers in formulating hand sanitizers (A to G). The formulated hand sanitizers were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, clarity, viscosity, drying time and antimicrobial activity, in comparison to a commercially available hand sanitizer (CAHS). Results: Co-processing significantly (p0.05) improved both hydration capacity of carbopol and viscosity of HPMC. The physical appearance, pH and opacity were maintained throughout the study. All the formulations showed dilatant rheological behaviour while the CAHS exhibited plastic flow. The drying times for the formulated hand sanitizers were comparable to CAHS but longer than isopropyl alcohol implying prolonged action at application site. The antimicrobial activity of the formulations was of the rank order isopropyl alcohol>B>F>CAHS>D>E>C>G>A. Conclusion: Co-processing of excipients improved the pharmaceutical properties of the hand sanitizers with antimicrobial activity that was comparable to CAHS but lower than isopropyl alcohol. The hand sanitizer formulated with polymer batch B, demonstrated optimum antimicrobial and pharmaceutical properties and may be developed for commercial use.Item Formulation and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Isopropyl Hand Sanitizer using Co-processed Excipients(African Journals OnLine, 2020-02) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Odeku, O. A.; Olumakinde-Oni, OBackground: In response to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa in the year 2014, which caused the Ebola haemorrhagic fever, the WHO alcohol-based hand rub formulation was adopted in addition to regular hand washing to prevent the spread. However, other formulation factors rather than alcohol concentration alone can greatly influence the overall antimicrobial efficacy of hand disinfectants. Objective: To formulate an antimicrobial hand sanitizer using co-processed carriers. Methodology: Carbopol (F), HPMC (G) and co-processed forms of both polymers in batches- 1:1(A), 1:2(B), 1:4(C), 2:1(D) and 4:1(E) respectively were used. The polymers were characterized, and used as carriers in formulating hand sanitizers (A to G). The formulated hand sanitizers were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, clarity, viscosity, drying time and antimicrobial activity, in comparison to a commercially available hand sanitizer (CAHS). Results: Co-processing significantly (p0.05) improved both hydration capacity of carbopol and viscosity of HPMC. The physical appearance, pH and opacity were maintained throughout the study. All the formulations showed dilatant rheological behaviour while the CAHS exhibited plastic flow. The drying times for the formulated hand sanitizers were comparable to CAHS but longer than isopropyl alcohol implying prolonged action at application site. The antimicrobial activity of the formulations was of the rank order isopropyl alcohol>B>F>CAHS>D>E>C>G>A. Conclusion: Co-processing of excipients improved the pharmaceutical properties of the hand sanitizers with antimicrobial activity that was comparable to CAHS but lower than isopropyl alcohol. The hand sanitizer formulated with polymer batch B, demonstrated optimum antimicrobial and pharmaceutical properties and may be developed for commercial use.Item Formulation of Diclofenac Sodium Emulsion Using Colocynthis Citrullus L. (Melon) Seed Oil(2019) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Oluyemi T. T.; Odeku O. ABackground: Melon seed obtained from the fruit of Colocynthis citrullus L. is widely used in Nigeria as a soup thickener. The seed has a high oil yield (42-57%) which has been largely unexplored as excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. Objectives: To evaluate melon seed oil as a drug carrier in emulsion using diclofenac as a model drug. Methods: Melon seed oil was extracted and the physicochemical properties were characterised. The emulsions were prepared using the traditional wet and dry gum methods, and all the emulsions were evaluated using viscosity measurements, creaming rate, and in-vitro drug release. Results: Melon seed oil had a pale yellow colour, with characteristic taste, and a neutral pH. Melon seed oil exhibited higher acid, saponification and ester values than castor oil but lower iodine value indicating an edible non-drying oil, unsusceptible to auto-oxidation. Both oils achieved a great degree of emulsification with globule size < 15mm μm. Emulsions of melon seed oil were generally less viscous with a higher degree of creaming compared to castor oil emulsions. Diclofenac emulsions prepared with melon seed oil, however, were more viscous and gave the highest release of diclofenac irrespective of the method of preparation. Only diclofenac emulsion prepared with melon seed oil using the wet gum method had > 70 % release within 45 minutes thus meeting the official specification. Conclusion: Melon seed oil functioned as a drug carrier for diclofenac. Thus, it will find application in pharmaceutical emulsions.Item Formulation of Diclofenac Sodium Emulsion Using Colocynthis Citrullus L. (Melon) Seed Oil(West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), 2019) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Oluyemi T. T.; Odeku O. ABackground: Melon seed obtained from the fruit of Colocynthis citrullus L. is widely used in Nigeria as a soup thickener. The seed has a high oil yield (42-57%) which has been largely unexplored as excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. Objectives: To evaluate melon seed oil as a drug carrier in emulsion using diclofenac as a model drug. Methods: Melon seed oil was extracted and the physicochemical properties were characterised. The emulsions were prepared using the traditional wet and dry gum methods, and all the emulsions were evaluated using viscosity measurements, creaming rate, and in-vitro drug release. Results: Melon seed oil had a pale yellow colour, with characteristic taste, and a neutral pH. Melon seed oil exhibited higher acid, saponification and ester values than castor oil but lower iodine value indicating an edible non-drying oil, unsusceptible to auto-oxidation. Both oils achieved a great degree of emulsification with globule size < 15mm μm. Emulsions of melon seed oil were generally less viscous with a higher degree of creaming compared to castor oil emulsions. Diclofenac emulsions prepared with melon seed oil, however, were more viscous and gave the highest release of diclofenac irrespective of the method of preparation. Only diclofenac emulsion prepared with melon seed oil using the wet gum method had > 70 % release within 45 minutes thus meeting the official specification. Conclusion: Melon seed oil functioned as a drug carrier for diclofenac. Thus, it will find application in pharmaceutical emulsions.Item Formulation of Diclofenac Sodium Emulsion Using Colocynthis Citrullus L. (Melon) Seed Oil(West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), 2019) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Ajala T. O.; Ogunnubi M. ABackground: Melon seed obtained from the fruit of Colocynthis citrullus L. is widely used in Nigeria as a soup thickener. The seed has a high oil yield (42-57%) which has been largely unexplored as excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. Objectives: To evaluate melon seed oil as a drug carrier in emulsion using diclofenac as a model drug. Methods: Melon seed oil was extracted and the physicochemical properties were characterised. The emulsions were prepared using the traditional wet and dry gum methods, and all the emulsions were evaluated using viscosity measurements, creaming rate, and in-vitro drug release. Results: Melon seed oil had a pale yellow colour, with characteristic taste, and a neutral pH. Melon seed oil exhibited higher acid, saponification and ester values than castor oil but lower iodine value indicating an edible non-drying oil, unsusceptible to auto-oxidation. Both oils achieved a great degree of emulsification with globule size < 15mm μm. Emulsions of melon seed oil were generally less viscous with a higher degree of creaming compared to castor oil emulsions. Diclofenac emulsions prepared with melon seed oil, however, were more viscous and gave the highest release of diclofenac irrespective of the method of preparation. Only diclofenac emulsion prepared with melon seed oil using the wet gum method had > 70 % release within 45 minutes thus meeting the official specification. Conclusion: Melon seed oil functioned as a drug carrier for diclofenac. Thus, it will find application in pharmaceutical emulsions.Item Formulation of floating metronidazole microspheres using cassava starch (manihot esculenta) as polymer(Springer Publications, 2017) Odeku, O. A; Aderogba, A. A.; Ajala, T. O.; Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Okunlola, A" Floating gastroretentive microspheres have been used to prolong the gastric residence time after oral administration and improve the local effect of metronidazole in the stomach in the treatment of peptic ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori. In the present study, cassava starch, obtained from the tubers of Manihot esculenta has been pregelatinized and used as polymer in combination with sodium alginate for the formulation of floating gastroretentive metronidazole microspheres. Metronidazole microspheres were prepared by ionic gelation method using pregelatinized cassava starch and sodium alginate at different concentrations as polymers and calcium chloride (2% w/v) as chelating agent. Sodium bicarbonate (2% w/w) was used as gas releasing agent. Microspheres were characterized using the particle size, swelling index, floating lag time (FLT), total floating time and drug release properties. Spherical discrete microspheres with size ranging from 1.52 to 2.23 mm were obtained with FLT of less than 5min and drug entrapment efficiency of 42–60% w/w. The microsphere maintained buoyancy for over 19h and the microspheres provided controlled release of metronidazolefor up to 18h. Drug release from the microspheres, swelling index and buoyancy depended on the concentration of cassava starch in the polymer blend. Formulations containing high concentration of cassava starch showing shorter floating lag time and faster drug release. Thus, buoyancy and rate of drug release appeared to be modulated by the concentration of cassava starch in the polymer blend. The results showed that pregelatinized cassava could be useful in the formulation of floating gastroretentive metronidazole microspheres "Item Intra and Extra-granular Disintegrant Properties of Modified Underutilised Red Lima Bean Starch in Paracetamol Tablet(International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC), 2020-06) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Odeku, O. A.; Olumakinde-Oni, OBinary mixtures of microcrystalline cellulose MCC (A), and lactose (L) in ratios at 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75% respectively were prepared. The binary mixtures were subjected to microscopical analysis and density measurements. The mechanical properties of paracetamol tablets formulated with the above excipients were assessed for tensile strength, bonding capacity (using the Ryshkewitch-Duckworth relation) and friability, while drug release properties were assessed for disintegration and dissolution times. The dissolution profiles were fitted into dissolution model equations to determine release mechanism and similarity of release. Microscopic analysis showed that the lactose particles were large, crystalline, and acicular in shape whereas the MCC particles were smaller and irregularly shaped. The binary mixtures had particle shape and sizes in between the parent compounds. The particle size of A25:L75 however, was larger than that of the proprietary brand, Microcelac®. Bulk and tapped densities increased with increasing amounts of MCC in the binary mixtures while particle density had an inverse relationship. Tablets containing A75:L25 had the highest tensile strength and bonding capacity and lowest friability in comparison to other binary mixtures and Microcelac®. However, tablets containing A75:L25 did not show superiority to Microcelac® in terms of paracetamol release. Its release, however, followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model indicating a super case II transport mechanism. Only comparisons of tablet combinations of Lactose: A25:L75 and MCC: A50:L50 had a similarity factor, f2 >50. Tablets made of A75:L25 exhibited the highest mechanical and release properties of the binary mixtures, as directly compressible excipient in comparison to the parent compounds and Microcelac®. This mixture, A75:L25 therefore, could be developed for commercial use in tablet formulations.Item Irvingia gabonensis (O’Rorke) Bail polymer matrix system for controlled drug delivery(Wroclaw Medical University, 2022-10) Patani, B. O.; Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Kumaran, A.; and Odeku, O. ABackground. Irvingia gabonensis kernel polymer has gained attention indrug delivery systems because ofits compatibility and degradation under natural and physiological conditions. Objectives. This study aimed toevaluate Irvingia gabonensis polymer asamatrix system for thecontrolled delivery of ibuprofen incomparison toxanthan gum and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Materials and methods. Irvingia gabonensis polymer was extracted using established methods and dried using theoven- and freeze-drying methods. Ibuprofen tablets were prepared bydirect compression and theeffects ofpolymer concentration (10–50%), excipients (lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate) and polymers (xanthan gum and HPMC) onthemechanical and drug release proper¬ties ofthetablets were evaluated. Density measurements and theHeckel and Kawakita equations were used todetermine thecompression properties ofthetablets. Friability, crushing strength and thecrushing strength–friability ratio (CSFR) were used toevaluate themechanical properties ofthetablets, while dis¬solution times were used toevaluate drug release from thematrices. Thedrug release mechanisms were determined byfitting thedissolution data into classic kinetic equations. Results. Irvingia gabonensis polymer deformed plastically with afast onset and ahigh amount ofplastic deformation compared with xanthan gum and HPMC. This polymer was directly compressible and formed intact non-disintegrating tablets; themechanical and dissolution properties ofIrvingia gabonensis polymer tablets generally decreased with increasing concentration ofibuprofen. Theranking ofdissolution times was xanthan gum> freeze-dried Irvingia gabonensis> HPMC> oven-dried Irvingia gabonensis. Theaddition oftheexcipients improved themechanical properties ofthetablets, aided ibuprofen release, and altered therelease kinetics, which was largely defined bytheKorsmeyer–Peppas model. Increasing theproportion ofxanthan gum and HPMC inthematrices resulted inadecreased amount ofibuprofen released after 9h, with xanthan gum having agreater effect. Conclusions. Irvingia gabonensis polymer matrices may be effective inthepreparation ofcontrolled release tablets, and their right combination with xanthan gum orHPMC could provide atime-independent release for longer durations.Item Material and compressional properties of Irvingia gabonensis (O’Rorke) Bail polymers(International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC), 2022) Patani, B. O.; Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Kumaran, A.; Odeku, O. AThe physicochemical, material and compressional properties of the Irvingia gabonensis (O’Rorke) Bail polymer were evaluated and compared with xanthan gum and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). The Irvingia polymer was extracted using established methods and processed using two methods of drying, that is, oven-drying and freeze-drying. The compression mechanisms were evaluated using the Heckel and Kawakita equations. The mechanical strength of the tablets was evaluated using crushing strength and friability. The results showed that the Irvingia kernel polymer was slightly acidic, free of heavy metals, with irregularly shaped particles that exhibited some degree of crystallinity. The Irvingia kernel polymer was directly compressible and formed intact non-disintegrating tablets similar to the standard polymers. The Heckel and Kawakita equations indicated that the Irvingia polymer deformed plastically with fast onset and a high amount of plastic deformation compared to xanthan gum and HPMC. The freeze-dried Irvingia gum showed significantly (p<0.05) higher crushing strength and lower friability than the oven-dried polymer. The results indicated that the drying method had a significant impact on the compression characteristics as well as the properties of the polymer tablets. Thus, the Irvingia polymer could be more suitable for the formulation of tablets using direct compression.Item Medicinal Importance and Phytoconstituents of Underutilized Legumes from the Caesalpinioideae DC Subfamily(MDPI, 2023-08) Ogunniyi, Q. A.; Ogbole, O. O.; Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Ajala, T. O.; Olorunsola, B.; Fettke, J.; Odeku, O. A.Underutilized legumes are common crops in developing countries with superior dietarypotentials that could be useful sources of protein as well as some phytoconstituents. They are more tolerant of abiotic environmental conditions like drought than the major legumes. This makes them more adapted to harsh soil and climatic conditions, which helps to minimize the pressure brought on by climate change. However, despite their potential, underutilized legumes have been greatly overlooked compared to the major legumes due to supply constraints. Underutilized legumes in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae are better suited for use as animal feeds with little or no value as food for humans, and the extracts and infusions of the different parts of plant species in this subfamily are traditionally used for the treatment of different diseases. In addition, underutilized legumes in this subfamily contain phytoconstituents that are of pharmacological relevance, some of which have been isolated, characterized and evaluated for use in the treatment of a variety of disorders. Therefore, this review describes the medicinal activities of some selected underutilized legumes from five genera in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae as well as their phytoconstituents, which could be exploited as lead compounds for drug discoveryItem Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. mucilage and pectin in the formulation of ibuprofen microspheres(Wroclaw Medical University, 2022) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Hassan, T. M.; Odeku, O. A.Background. Mucilage and pectin are both natural polymers with theadvantages ofavailability and bio¬degradability. Microspheres made from biodegradable polymers can break down naturally after performing their tasks.Objectives. Thestudy aimed touse mucilage and pectin from theleaves ofTalinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. aspolymer matrices for theformulation ofmicrospheres, with ibuprofen asthemodel drug.Materials and methods. Both polymers were examined under amicroscope and evaluated using measure¬ments ofviscosity, density, flow properties, swelling power, elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thedegree ofesterification (DE) for pectin. Themicrospheres were prepared using theionotropic gelation method and alginate:mucilage/pectin atratios of1:1 and 1:2. They were assessed for swellability, drug entrapment effectiveness and drug release profile. Results. Themucilage particles were ovoid while pectin particles were irregularly shaped. Pectin had higher particle, bulk and tapped densities than mucilage, while mucilage had ahigher swelling power and abetter flow than pectin. Talinum triangulare pectin isalow-methoxyl pectin with aDE of7.14%. TheFTIR spectra showed no interaction between thepolymers and ibuprofen. Thesurface morphology ofthemicrospheres without ibuprofen was smooth, while those with ibuprofen revealed aspongy-like mesh. Theswelling power ofthemicrospheres was higher inphosphate buffer with apH of7.2 than indistilled water. Theentrapment efficiency ranged within 39.57–60.43% w/w, with microspheres containing alginate:mucilage/pectin ratio of1:1having higher entrapment efficiency. Microspheres with polymer ataratio of1:1 provided alonger release (>2h), while microspheres with polymer blend of1:2 provided animmediate release ofibuprofen. Conclusions. Thepolymers ofT. triangulare could be used asmatrices inmicrosphere formulations.
