Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

Aim of the present investigation was to develop a novel, non-toxic and biodegradable copolymer of acrylamide-graft-mesquite gum polymer (Aam-g-MGP) by graft copolymerisation technique using cerric ammonium nitrate as free radical initiator under microwave conditions. The mesquite raw gum was purified and and grafted with acrylamide using ceric ammonium nitrate as a free radical initiator. The variation in reaction parameters affected the percent grafting (%G) and grafting efficiency (%GE) of the copolymer samples. The grafting was confirmed by FT-IR and elemental analysis, FT-IR spectral studies and elemental analysis data supported the grafting process. Subsequently synthesised graft copolymer was subjected for viscosity, water retention, swelling index and hydration capacity evaluation. Modified polymer was also tested for biodegradability on E. coli, and toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. The developed copolymer demonstrated considerably increase in viscosity, water retention capacity, swelling index, and hydration capacity as compared to ungrafted mesquite gum polymer. The grafted copolymer Aam-g-MGP was proved biodegradable and non-toxic in nature. Based on the results swelling index and water retention capacity developed copolymer can be used in the development of extended release pharmaceutical formulations.