Cross-linked Chitosan-Sodium Sulfate Matrix Systems Using Gel Casting Method for Sustained Drug Release of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride

The purpose of this study was to design a chitosan matrix systems made with cross-linking agents that targets control release of anticancer drug. Chitosan (CS) with cross-linking agent sodium sulfate (SS) was used for entrapping the model drug Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (DOX) through novel gel casting method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), swelling index, drug entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release studies were also done for physicochemical characterization of the formulations. Statistically significant different t50% and MDT values were noted between SS (5% w/v), SS (10% w/v) matrix systems and the control, as well as between SS (5% w/v) matrix systems and all the other formulations at pH 5.8 and pH 7.4. DOX release was slower in matrix systems without Explotab® and also at higher dissolution media pH (7.4). Statistically significant dissimilarity was observed between the control and the SS (5% w/v) f2 = 11.32±2.54; SS (10% w/v) f2 = 12.16±0.82 at pH 7.4. The findings of the study suggested that the matrix formulation is a promising carrier for DOX delivery