The Effect of Acetylation of Faro 40 Rice Starch for the Production of Pharmaceutical Grade Starch

Introduction: Nigerian FARO 40 rice starch has been underutilized due to low edible qualities. Therefore, chemical modification of this variety for pharmaceutical use was contemplated, as native starch has shown to be integrally unsuitable for pharmaceutical applications. The aim of this study was to chemically modify underutilized rice variety using standard methods for possible use as pharmaceutical grade starch.

Methodology: Native and acetylated FARO rice starch physicochemical properties were analysed using standard methods. Scan electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analyser and Derivative Thermogravimetric analyser were done to determine the morphological properties of native and acetylated starch. The starch tablets comparative binding and disintegrant capacities were examined utilizing paracetamol as model sedate. Wet granulation strategy and direct compression were used to defined the paracetamol tablets from native starch and acetylated starch as binders. The tablet features such as smashing quality, friability, crumbling time and disintegration test were assessed utilizing friabilitor machine, deterioration machine and disintegration device.

Results: The results showed significant decreased (P<0.05) values in pH, moisture content, and gelatinization temperature for acetylated starch compared to the native starch. Significant increase observed in ash content, solubility, swelling capacity, browning temperature, charring temperature and amylose content of acetylated starch as compared to the native starch. Furthermore, significant changes were also observed in morphology of the acetylated starch compared to the native rice starch. The weight, crushing strength, friability, disintegration time and dissolution profile values for paracetamol tablets formulated with the acetylated starch were within the standard specified by British pharmacopeia and were significantly different from that of native starch (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the research reviewed significant changes in physicochemical and morphological properties of acetylated FARO 40 underutilized Nigerian rice starch variety which suggest to improve the quality of the starch for pharmaceutical usage.