Potato starch‑blended alginate beads for prolonged release of tolbutamide: Development by statistical optimization and in vitro characterization

Abstract

The work investigates the development and optimization of novel beads of potato starch‑alginate blend containing tolbutamide by ionotropic gelation using 32 factorial design. The optimized beads exhibited 85.57 ± 3.24% drug encapsulation efficiency and 50.42 ± 2.18% drug release after 8 h. The in vitro drug release followed controlled‑release (zero‑order) pattern with super case‑II transport mechanism over 8 h. The swelling and degradation of the optimized beads were influenced by pH of test mediums. These were also characterized by SEM and FTIR analysis. These newly developed beads are suitable for controlled delivery of tolbutamide for prolonged period. Key words: Alginate, potato starch, polymer‑blend, tolbutamide, controlled release, optimization