AbstractIn this study we report on the preparation and characterization of biocomposites based on a sodium montmorillonite-ibuprofen (MtIb) hybrid and neat poly(ethylene glycol), neat sodium carboxymethylcellulose or poly(ethylene glycol)-carboxymethylcellulose blend 50/50 biocomposites as drug carriers. Ib, a poorly soluble drug, was first intercalated into sodium Mt and then the resulting hybrid was compounded with the different polymeric matrices. Ib incorporation efficiency in Mt was determined by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Both X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetric studies revealed that the intercalation of Ib between the clay layers induced amorphization of the drug. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the development of strong interactions between Ib and the polymer matrix. A study of the release of Ib from the synthesized biocomposites in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4) was investigated. To better understand the release mechanism of drug molecules from the different carriers, several kinetic models have been applied.
