Cellulose xanthide (CellX) as an encapsulating matrix. I. Comparison with starch xanthide (StX) on swelling and release properties

Abstract

The efficacy of cellulose, converted through viscose intermediate to crosslinked cellulose xanthide, as an encapsulant is compared with starch xanthide which has already been reported [1-4] to be an effective matrix for encapsulation. Factors such as crystallinity, extent of crosslinking and percentage loading and their influence on equilibrium water uptake and release property are examined. The release kinetics conform to 'swelling controlled release systems' and the data are interpreted in terms of the generalised equation M_r/M_∞ = ktⁿ. The bulk release studies of the polydisperse system could not indicate the exact release mechanism. Single particle release studies indicate that both the systems could conform to case II or zero order release governed by matrix relaxation controlled release.