Physicochemical characterization and release properties of oral drug delivery: A pH-sensitive nanocomposite based on sodium alginate–pectin–tannic acid–silver

A pH-sensitive nanocomposite formed from sodium alginate (SA)/pectin (Pec)/tannic acid (TA)–silver (Ag) was developed using microwave irradiation and it was applied as a carrier for propranolol drug. TA acts as a cross-linker and a reducing agent for Ag ions. Physicochemical characteristics of the fabricated system using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering instrument, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The swelling percent and the drug release were observed to be pH-sensitive. The occurrence of Ag nanoparticles in the network enhances the drug release that is 96% at pH 7.4 within 420 min. The drug release data were adjusted into different kinetic models involved zero order, first order, Higuchi, and Ritger–Peppas models. The release mechanism is a non-Fickian character where it controls by diffusion and relaxation of polymer chains. It can be concluded that SA/Pec/TA-Ag nanocomposite is a candidate for the oral drug carrier specific for the intestinal system and has ability against the gastric fluid.