Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of Arabic gum microgels modified with methacrylic acid as potential drug carriers

Abstract

Microgels of carbohydrate polymers are non-toxic and biocompatible that can readily be used in applications such as drug delivery, medicine, and pharmacy. In this work, Arabic gum (AG) microgels and methacrylic acid modified Arabic gum microgels (AGMAA) were synthesized via the water in oil emulsion polymerization technique using Tween 20 as the surfactant and hexane as the solvent. The microgels were characterized using various physicochemical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal stability using differential scanning calorimetry, diffraction pattern analysis using X-Ray diffraction, morphology observation using field emission scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering was used to analyze the size and zeta potential. The rate of deformation was higher in the AG microgels compared to the AGMAA microgels. The particle size and zeta potential of the AGMAA microgel were found to be larger and more negative than AG microgel, respectively. The particle size and zeta potentials of the microgels were found to be dependent on the amount of methacrylic acid as the modifying agent. The microgels were encapsulated with doxorubicin through the swelling method and the in vitro release was studied in mediums with pH values of 4.2 and 7.4. The results suggest the potentials of these microgels for drugs delivery.