OPTIMIZATION OF KAPPA CARRAGEENAN POLYMER CONCENTRATION AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CROSSLINKER ON PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GLUTATHIONE-KAPPA CARRAGEENAN NANOSPHERE

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study to obtain the most optimal physical characteristics of glutathione-kappa carrageenan nanosphere in terms of particle size, moisture content, yield, drug loading and entrapment efficiency. Methods: One of the drug delivery systems that can improve drug stability for antioxidants is nanosphere. Nanospheres were prepared using ionotropic gelation method with aerosol technique. This method is easy, fast, and relatively cost-effective to manufacture. This research was applied with optimization using a randomized full factorial design of 2² with differences in kappa carrageenan as polymer and potassium chloride concentrations as crosslinker. This study aims to obtain the most optimal physical characteristics of the nanosphere in terms of particle size, moisture content, yield, drug loading and entrapment efficiency. Results: The glutathione-kappa carrageenan nanosphere had particle sizes ranging from 247.03 to 675.07 nm with spherical and smooth nanosphere. Furthermore, the entrapment efficiency value ranged from 25.50–35.61%, and drug loading of 6.84–10.16%. The concentration of kappa polymer affected particle size, moisture content, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. This indicated that higher polymer concentration resulted in greater particle size, moisture content, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. Conclusion: The most optimal formula is F4 with 1% kappa-carrageenan concentration and 0.6% KCl.