Preparation,characterization and release profiles of pH‐sensitive chitosan beads

Spherical crosslinked beads using chitosan, glycine and glutaraldehyde were prepared for controlled release formulations. Structural investigation of the beads was made with IR analysis. Morphological study of the beads was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The swelling behaviour of the beads was monitored as a function of time in solutions of different pH. The release experiments were performed using thiamine hydrochloride (Thi‐HCl) as a model drug. These preliminary results suggest the possibility of modifying the formulations to obtain the desired controlled release of drug in an oral sustained delivery system. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry