Analytical Characterization of a Gelling Biodegradable Polymer

Abstract

The present study was undertaken for the analytical characterization of a hydrophilic biodegradable polymer, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Purity and the crystalline nature of the polymer were evaluated. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was performed by FTIR Spectrophotometer interfaced with infrared (IR) microscope operated in reflectance mode. The spectra were collected over the wave number from 400 to 4000 cm-1 at room temperature. Raman spectroscopic analysis for the polymer was performed by a low resolution portable Raman Spectrometer (Raman system R-3000), using 785 nm solid state diode laser, with fiber optic sampling probe. The Raman spectra were collected over the wave number from 140 to 2500 cm-1 at room temperature. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) data for HPMC polymer were obtained using a powder diffractometer. The polymer was scanned from a Bragg angle (2è) between 100 and 700. The obtained data were tabulated in terms of the lattice spacing (Å) and relative peak intensities (I/I0). From the spectral interpretation, it has been found that the FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analysis help in determining the back bone structure of HPMC i.e., the pyranose ring with beta-linked Dglucose units. Moreover, sharp peaks with respect to different 2è values obtained from XRD study indicate its crystalline nature. From our results, it can be concluded that the FTIR study, Raman Spectroscopic analysis, and XRD study help in the analytical characterization of the HPMC. This information is very important for the preformulation study to prepare any novel drug delivery system having bioadhesive property.