Nanomatrix Synthesis for Particle Size Characterization by Sol-Gel Technique via Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose Approach: Case Study of Arrinrasho Clay as Potential Pharmaceutical Excipient

Abstract

In material science, particle size measurement is a key parameter in surface area determination, which plays a central role in reaction rate evaluation especially in drug delivery systems. In this study we seek to employ Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC) in the preparation of a suitable analyte in the characterization of Arrinrasho clay as potential excipient. A stable sol-gel was generated from a solution of pulverized clay in a matrix of CMC. The sol-gel wet chemical technique is widely used recently in the field of material research especially for catalysts and ceramic engineering. A network of discrete particles assembled in a matrix are captured via XRD and electron scanning microscope for observation. XRF technique was employed in the elemental analysis. The nanomatrix generated in this research is notably safe for handling, it is stable, highly reproducible, the CMC employed is readily available, it is universally cheap and the procedure for preparation is not complicated, hence it is highly recommended for adoption in material assay. Evaluation of the Arrinrasho clays showed that they were not radioactive, the dry powder had a free-flowing nature, it had a light cream to white color in appearance, the particles size had dimension in nanometric regions. Corrosive metals such as Bismuth were absent. Titanium oxide that enhances some cosmetic products was found to be present. These attributes of Arrinrasho clays, makes it suitable for an excipient in certain topical pharmaceutical products.