LAUSR

Aim: To develop and evaluate chitosan-maleic acid conjugate. Methods: Maleic anhydride was attached to chitosan backbone via amide bond formation resulting in chitosan-maleic acid. After characterization of the product via 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid assay, examination of mucoadhesion assessment was carried out. Results: The conjugate presented 44.91% modification and no toxicity could be observed after 1 day of incubation. Mucoadhesive properties exhibited 40.97-fold, 13.31-fold and 9.07-fold increase in elastic modulus, dynamic viscosity and viscous modulus, respectively. Moreover, detachment time was increased in 44.44-fold. Conclusion: Chitosan-maleic acid demonstrated enhanced in mucoadhesive properties resulting in biocompatibility. Therefore, potent candidates as polymeric excipients for oral drug delivery could be developed over corresponding chitosan.