Microwave assisted synthesis and characterization of acrylamide grafted gellan, application in drug delivery

The synthesis of acrylamide-grafted-gellan gum was carried out by microwave-assisted free radical polymerization using cerric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as redox initiator. A series of graft copolymers, varying in amount of acrylamide, CAN and microwave irradiation time was prepared. The modified gum was extracted with 20% (v/v) methanol to remove the homopolymer formed during polymerization reaction. These graft copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, CHN, SEM, rheological studies and DSC studies. Comparison of grafting parameters such as grafting efficiency, percentage grafting and percentage conversion were carried out among various series of graft copolymers and then correlating it with elemental analysis, DSC, viscosity results. The acute oral toxicity study of grated gum was evaluated as per OECD guideline. Tablets were prepared by incorporating antidiabetic drug metformin hydrochloride (MTF) in grafted gum along with excipients. In vitro studies were performed on prepared tablet formulations showing release up to 8 h.