Chitosan–maleic acid conjugate as potential excipient candidate for oral drug delivery?

Abstract

Aim: To develop and evaluate chitosan–maleic acid conjugate. Methods: Maleic anhydride was attached to chitosan backbone via amide bond formation resulting in chitosan–maleic acid. After characterization of the product via 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid assay, examination of mucoadhesion assessment was carried out. Results: The conjugate presented 44.91% modification and no toxicity could be observed after 1 day of incubation. Mucoadhesive properties exhibited 40.97-fold, 13.31-fold and 9.07-fold increase in elastic modulus, dynamic viscosity and viscous modulus, respectively. Moreover, detachment time was increased in 44.44-fold. Conclusion: Chitosan–maleic acid demonstrated enhanced in mucoadhesive properties resulting in biocompatibility. Therefore, potent candidates as polymeric excipients for oral drug delivery could be developed over corresponding chitosan.