Preparation and characterization of alginate-chitosan capsule shells using tripoliphosphate crosslink method

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determined the effect of crosslinked tripolyphosphate (TPP) concentration variation on the nature of capsule shells formation and to determined the characteristics of capsule preparations that the best with alginate-chitosan and tripolyphosphate. Method: This research includes the preparation of alginate solution, chitosan and TPP, preparation of capsule shells, capsule shells characterization, disintegration time analysis, the swelling degree test, functional group analysis (FTIR) and morphology (SEM). Result: The results showed that the best capsule shells formulations produced from alginate-chitosan and TPP crosslinking compounds were Formula F7 and F8. However, from the characteristics of the swelling degree test, the capsule shells formula F8 had a better degree of swelling compared to the formula F7. The mechanical strength produced from the F8 capsule shells was also better than the formula F7. Conclusions: Based on the description above, it can be concluded that the concentration of chitosan and crosslinking compounds significantly influence the formation of capsule shells and the characteristics of capsule shells preparations with alginate-chitosan and TPP crosslinks produce good physical properties so that it can be used as a drug delivery system.