TAILOR-MADE CHITOSANS FOR DRUG-DELIVERY

Graft copolymers of chitosan were prepared using acrylic and methacryl ic acids. The grafting was initiated by eerie ion. Experimental parame ters such as the concentrations of monomer and the initiator on grafti ng were investigated. The percent grafting, grafting efficiency and pe rcent conversion of the monomer were also analysed. The graft copolyme rs were further characterized by infrared spectroscopy and gravimetric analysis. These graft copolymers were subsequently utilized for the p reparation of functionalized chitosan beads by a polymer dispersion te chnique. The morphological characteristics were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Particle size analysis was also carried out. Sulphadiazine was entrapped in the microspheres and the in vitro drug release profiles were established both in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids.