Modification of natural hydrocolloid as disintegrant in aceclofenac tablet formulation

The purpose of present exploration was to modify kappa (k)-Carrageenan, by crosslinking, and assessed it as a tablet disintegrant to strengthen the solubility of the drug (aceclofenac) in tablet formulation. Modified k-Carrageenan was synthesized by reacting it with epichlorhydrin at heterogenous  conditions. The swelling action of the product was investigated in order to optimize reaction circumstances for chemical cross-linking. Best modified k-Carrageenan procured by optimizing the reaction conditions and it was characterized for swelling index, particle size distribution, solubility, viscosity, gel strength and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Influence of modified k-Carrageenan on dissolution profile of therapeutic was also investigated along with other evaluation parameters. Modified k-Carrageenan exhibiting significant swelling index which is comparable to that of superdisintegrants. On comparative investigation as a tablet disintegrant by preparing anhydrous dicalcium phosphate tablet, modified k-Carrageenan showed disintegration time less than 20 seconds. Dissolution of aceclofenac (Class II) tablet formulaion utilizing modified k-Carrageenan was comparable with commercially available superdisintegrants. Faster dissolution of the accommodated drug was achieved with modified k-Carrageenan which was comparable with dissolution of the tablet formulation containing other superdisintegrants. The competent concentration of k-Carrageenan was found to be 5-15% as tablet disintegrant. Modified k-Carrageenan might be encouraging tablet disintegrant in fast dissolving formulations and can be worn in direct compression method. Keywords: k-Carageenan. Epichlorhydrin. Aceclofenac. Crosslinking. Superdisintegrant