Development of modified release gliclazide biological macromolecules using natural biodegradable polymers.

Modified release biological macromolecules (beads) of gliclazide using sodium alginate combined with either gellan gum or pectin in different ratios were prepared by Ionotropic gelation method. Biological macromolecules were evaluated for different physico-chemical parameters. Increase in polymers proportion showed difficulty in production of biological macromolecules due to high viscosity of dispersion. As the polymer concentration increases, the swelling and entrapment efficiency of drug increased. Compared to all other batches and commercial modified release gliclazide tablet, formulated biological macromolecules of sodium alginate with pectin (2:1 ratio) and with gellan gum (6:0.75 ratio) exhibited spherical shape, biphasic in vitro release profile and initial high drug release followed by moderate release up to 12 h as matrix diffusion kinetics and Higuchi model as well as Korsmeyer model.