| dc.description.abstract | Biopolymers derived from natural sources have gained popularity in creating hydrogels which are useful in formulating hypoallergenic and cost-effective pharmaceutical products. Hydrogels are water swollen three-dimensional polymeric structures that facilitate free diffusion of liquids and molecules. These networks are synthesized by linking biopolymers via inherent intermolecular forces or through chemical cross-linking. In this initial investigation, we assessed the gelation potential of the aqueous extract of Cyclea peltata, a climbing shrub belonging to the family Menispermaceae. The study examined gelation under varying temperatures (10°C to 90°C) and pH levels (1 to 13) and with 0.2 mg/mL CaCl2 solution. Notably, gel formation did not occur at temperatures above 70°C or at the extreme pH values of 1 and 13. However, gels were successfully formed under both acidic and alkaline
pH conditions, barring the aforementioned pH extremes. The most stable gel was formed at 30°C and pH 7 (CPLG15) exhibiting minimal syneresis of 1.1384 %. The resultant gels maintained a pH range of 4.8–6.6, regardless of solvent pH variations, suggesting a buffering effect. Introducing calcium shortened the gelation period but increased syneresis. Freeze-dried CPLG15 could form a gel when reconstituted with distilled water if stored at 2-8°C and retained its gel state withoutsyneresis or changes of organoleptic properties maximally up to a week. | en_US |
