Preparation, characterization and application in controlled release of Ibuprofen-loaded Guar Gum/Montmorillonite Bionanocomposites

Neutral guar gum-montmorillonite and cationic guar gum-montmorillonite nanocomposites loaded with ibuprofen were prepared, and their ability to control in vitro release of the drug was presented. These materials exhibited a reduced initial burst release effect and sustained release of up to several hours in a pH 7.4 simulated intestinal fluid. Blank experiments suggested a nanocomposite-mediated action. Improved properties were demonstrated for two different clay minerals: Sodium Wyoming (SWy-2) montmorillonite from the Source Clay Repository and a Portuguese montmorillonite from the Benavila bentonite deposit. The prepared materials were based on abundant, low-cost, natural minerals and plant-extracted biopolymers, and were synthesized using a facile method, thus exhibiting a low environmental impact.