Development and characterization of sodium tripolyphosphate-crosslinked Echinochloa esculenta (Ghingora) starch microspheres as potential drug carrier.

Starch, a naturally abundant polysaccharide, is widely utilized in various industries, including food, textiles and pharmaceuticals owing to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and versatility. In drug delivery systems, it functions as an excipient, binder and controlled-release agent. However, native starch has several limitations such as poor mechanical strength, low moisture retention and insufficient swelling capacity that restrict its application in advanced formulations. This study aimed to address these issues by developing sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) treated Ghingora (Echinochloa esculenta) starch and its application in development of aceclofenac loaded microspheres via the solvent evaporation method. The optimized formulation of the microspheres (SCSM 4) demonstrated impressive characteristics including 83.91 % w/w yield, 55.12 % w/w drug loading, 85.72 % w/w entrapment efficiency and the particle size of approximately 685 nm ensuring uniformity. Characterization techniques e.g. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful phosphorylation and crosslinking of starch. In addition, it revealed structural modifications and a consistent granular morphology. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated thermal stability up to 150 °C. The microspheres exhibited controlled drug release achieving over 90 % cumulative release in simulated colonic fluid highlighting their potential for colon-targeted delivery. In vivo anti-inflammatory assessments by carrageenan-induced paw edema model yielded significant results in which the microspheres at a dose of 80 mg/kg. body weight demonstrated greater reduction in edema than standard aceclofenac treatment. This study highlights the potential of modified Ghingora starch as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic polymers in drug delivery applications. By overcoming the limitations of native starch, this study presents a biocompatible system that facilitates targeted delivery, prolonged release, reduced side effects, and improved therapeutic outcomes particularly for inflammatory conditions.