A comprehensive review on Ziziphus spina-christi gum–alginate composite beads: from physicochemical properties to advanced sustained-release applications

Abstract Background The gradual release of a drug over a longer period of time is an important area of modern pharmaceutical research which includes sustained release drug delivery systems. This controlled release maintains therapeutic concentrations of the drug in plasma and reduces the dosage frequency and patient non-compliance for chronic diseases. Natural polymers have recently grown in their interest as pharmaceutical excipients. This is as they are biodegradable, biocompatible, and low toxic and cheaper than synthetic polymers. Objective The review focuses on the feasibility of sodium alginate-Ziziphus spina–christi gum (ZSC gum) system as natural polymeric system for the preparation of hydrogel beads for sustained delivery. Methodology / approach Sodium alginate is utilized in the formulations of drugs because it easily forms hydrogel beads by ionotropic gelation upon contact with divalent cations, such as calcium ions. These beads can encapsulate drug well and swell to pH. However, the use of alginate alone might create beads with low mechanical strength as well as an undesired burst release of the encapsulated drug. ZSC gum has been introduced as a natural polymer to overcome these challenges and composite hydrogel bead system development. Key findings Through the incorporation of ZSC gum, the viscosity and mucoadhesive properties of alginate matrices can potentially be improved to ensure the formation of a stable IPN. These changes in structure helps to improve bead integrity, reduce instant release of drug, improve drug entrapment efficiency and provide a better sustained release pattern. Implications Through the incorporation of ZSC gum, the viscosity and mucoadhesive properties of alginate matrices can potentially be improved to ensure the formation of a stable IPN. This change in structure helps to improve bead integrity, reduce instant release of drug, improve drug entrapment efficiency and provide a better sustained release pattern. Conclusion The addition of ZSC gum to sodium alginate may help improve the performance of alginate systems. The use of natural polymer composites can be an effective and sustainable way to create drug delivery systems that can have sustained release and improve efficacy.