Gelatin-coated zeolite y for controlled release of anticancer drug (zerumbone)

An oral slow release drug delivery system of zerumbone-zeolite Y-gelatin composites were prepared by two coating techniques namely dipping already shaped drug loaded zeolite y beads in gelatin and by blending gelatin with drug loaded zeolite Y powder followed by pelletizing by drop wise addition into sunflower oil. Zeolite Y acted as the support material in the nanocomposite preparation. In both coating techniques, pellets obtained were spherical in shape. Zerumbone (ZER) a natural anticancer drug was extracted from local Zingiber Zerumbet and loaded into zeolite Y via wet impregnation method. The composites were tested via UV-VIS for in- vitro drug delivery study and were characterized using TLC, SEM and XRD methods. From the data obtained, dip coated composite samples showed best sustained release of zerumbone for 24 h compared to blended zerumbone-zeolite Y-gelatin pellet. The inert zeolite Y acted as a carrier and support for drug, and the pores encapsulated, protected and controlled the released of the drug.