Development of ionic and non‐ionic natural gum‐based bigels: Prospects for drug delivery application

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recently, much attention has been focused on the development of gel based formulations for controlled drug delivery applications. Herein, we report the effect of the ionic (gum acacia) and the non‐ionic (guar gum) gums on the properties of the bigels prepared with fluid‐filled organogels. The microscopic study suggested the presence of flocculated structure in guar gum bigel, whereas, a de‐flocculated structure was observed in gum acacia bigel. Infrared spectroscopy suggested the presence of polysaccharides in the bigels. The mechanical properties of the guar gum bigel were better than gum acacia bigel. The conductivity and the release properties suggested superior properties of gum acacia bigel. This indicated that the ionic nature of acacia bigel played a major role in controlled drug delivery, making it a potential bigel for desired pharmaceutical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 42561.