Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HYBRID POLYMER FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE TABLET COATING

Mr. Lalit H. Jambhulkar*, Miss. Sakshi Y. Badki, Mr. Ashutosh V. Khadatkar, Dr. Nilesh O. Chachda

ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the development, physicochemical characterization, spectroscopic compatibility, and in-vitro drug release performance of a hybrid natural polymer coating system comprising Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP) and Propolis for sustained-release tablet coating applications. TSP, a galactoxyloglucan-based hydrophilic polymer, and Propolis, a resinous hydrophobic bee-derived product rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, were selected as complementary coating excipients. Both polymers were subjected to comprehensive preformulation studies including organoleptic evaluation, solubility profiling, pH determination, loss on drying, micromeritic characterization, and FTIR spectroscopy. TSP demonstrated free aqueous solubility, fine particle size (≤180 μm), moderate moisture content (11.23 ± 0.34%), and a high swelling index (up to 280–350% at 120 min). Propolis exhibited excellent ethanolicsolubility, low LOD (5.79 ± 0.12%), and characteristic resinous film-forming properties. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the chemical identity of both materials and demonstrated physicochemical compatibility in the combined TSP–Propolis hybrid system. Formulations were developed using varying plasticizer systems and applied to marketed paracetamol tablets by the dipping method. In-vitro dissolution studies demonstrated that the hybrid coating system effectively retarded drug release, with the TSP–Propolis combination exploiting a dual mechanism of hydrophilic swelling and hydrophobic diffusion barrier. The results establish the pharmaceutical suitability of TSP and Propolis as natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic sustained-release polymers.

Keywords: Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide, Propolis, Hybrid Polymer, Sustained Release, Tablet Coating, Natural Excipients, FTIR, Drug Delivery.