Abstract

The aim of the present research work to study the effect of conjugation of the polymer on drug release from the matrix tablets. Sodium alginate L-cysteine conjugate was achieved by covalent attachment of thiol group of L-cysteine with the primary amino group of sodium alginate through the amide bonds formed by primary amino groups of the sodium alginate and the carboxylic acid group of L-cysteine. The synthesised sodium alginate L-cysteine conjugate was characterised by determining of charring point, Fourier transmission-infrared and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. To study the effect of conjugation on drug release pattern, the matrix tablets were prepared using various proportions of sodium alginate and sodium alginate L-cysteine conjugate along with atorvastatin calcium as model drug. The wet granulation technique was adopted and prepared matrix tablets were evaluated for various physical parameters. The in vitro drug release study results suggested that tablet formulated in combination of sodium alginate and sodium alginate L-cysteine conjugate S4 showed 100% after 8 h drug release whereas formulated with only sodium alginate S0 released 40% in 8 h.