K-carrageenan / sodium alginate interpenetrating network beads for the incorporation of ketoprofen as a potential drug delivery system

Polysaccharide-based interpenetrating network beads obtain by ionotropic gelation of k-carrageenan and sodium alginate were designed for the encapsulation of Ketoprofen, to ensure an improved drug release. Different mass ratio of the two polymers were used to obtain the particles by cross-linking the polymers solutions with CaCl2 and KCl. Chemical characterization of beads was assessed through FTIR spectrometry and UV-VIS spectrometry was employed to determine encapsulation efficiency and drug release profile. Swelling studies showed a higher degree in simulated intestinal fluids than in simulated gastric fluid. Results have displayed that bi-component beads are a versatile drug delivery system.