Abstract

The controlled release behaviour of Acebutolol hydrochloride, from blend beads of pectin and hydroxypropyl
cellulose was investigated at different pH’s (1.2 & 7.4) and different temperatures (25 oC & 37 oC). These
polymeric microbeads were produced by varying the concentrations of polymer, drug, crosslinker agent,
calcium chloride (CaCl2). The beads have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and scanning electron microscope
(SEM) techniques. The DSC and X-RD studies showed that the polymeric micro beads exhibited with spherical
shape and rough surface morphology. The results obtained from swelling studies confirmed that the pH and
temperature responsive nature of polymeric micro beads under study. The release data have been analysed
using an empirical equation to understand the transport of the drug containing solution through the polymeric
matrices. The drug release kinetics results indicated non-Fickian model transport in the present study. Drug
release was observed in a controlled manner up to 12 hrs.