Biopharmaceutical evaluation of diclofenac sodium controlled release tablets prepared from gum karaya--chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes.

The phenomena of polymer interactions and formation of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of oppositely charged polymers have been the focus of interest in fundamental and applied research. Such PECs may possess unique properties that are different from those of individual polymers. In the present study, attempts were made to prepare PECs of negative colloid gum karaya (GK) and positively charged polysaccharide chitosan (CH). The association and factors affecting the interactions between GK and CH were studied by pH and conductivity studies. The dried complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy. The PECs were utilized for encapsulation of diclofenac sodium. Selected polyelectrolyte microparticles were compressed into tablets and were compared with commercial sustained release product Voveran SR®. Positive results of the study indicated the applicability of PECs in the design of oral controlled release drug delivery systems.