Alginate/starch blend fibers and their properties for drug controlled release

Fibers of alginate and starch, with salicylic acid (SA) as model drug incorporated in different concentrations, were obtained by spinning their solution through a viscose-type spinneret into a coagulating bath containing aqueous CaCl2 and ethanol. Chemical, morphological and mechanical properties characterization was carried out, as well as the studies of the factors that influence the drug releasing from alginate/starch fibers. The results of controlled release tests showed that the amount of SA released increased with an increase in the proportion of starch present in the fiber. Moreover, the release rate of drug decreased as the amount of drug loaded in the fiber increased, but the cumulative release amount is increasing. The alginate/starch fibers were also sensitive to pH and ionic strength. All the results indicated that the alginate/starch fiber was potentially useful in drug delivery systems.