Carboxymethyl cellulose-rosin gum hybrid nanoparticles: An efficient drug carrier

Abstract Adequate release of 5-ASA in colon is challenging as it easily permeates at the acidic pH of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Targeting delayed release of 5-ASA at acidic pH, Carboxymethyl cellulose-rosin gum hybrid nanoparticles (CR NP3 ) with an average size of 267 nm have been crafted through nanoprecipitation method. CR NP3 was extensively characterized using Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and particle size analysis based on dynamic light scattering. Colon specific targeted in-vitro release of 5‑Aminosalicylic acid from CR NPs was monitored in simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) fluids. The release rate was very slow in first 2 h in SGF, while in SIF, it was greater and 72% drug was released in a controlled manner during the time span of 12 h in contrast to native carboxymethyl cellulose or rosin gum for which 100% release was accomplished within 5 h or 8 h respectively. The delayed release from CR NPs is attractive for enhancing the bioavailability of drug in colon. The drug release followed zero-order kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion mechanism.