Biodegradable biocompatible xyloglucan films for various applications

Polysaccharides are known for their film-forming properties which have been intensively investigated for food and non-food applications. Here we have developed a xyloglucan transparent film for various applications especially in controlled release of drugs and cosmetics. The present study evaluated the properties of the composite films of xyloglucan, chitosan and rice starch obtained by the casting/solvent evaporation method. Xyloglucan chitosan blend film shows better mechanical properties. Hydrophobicity and crystallinity of xyloglucan film was increased by blending with chitosan. This was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies and contact angle measurements. Scanning electron microscopic observations indicated that the xyloglucan chitosan blend films were smooth and homogenous. Thermogravimetric and differential scannining calorimetric analysis showed a high thermal stability and melting temperature of xyloglucan chitosan film compared with others. The swelling properties of the xyloglucan chitosan blend film, studied as a function of pH showed that the sorption ability of the blend film was high at a pH 7.4. This indicates its controlled release property at that pH. Controlled drug release property of the film was studied by using streptomycin as a model drug.