Evaluation of Thermally Modified Sembi Seed–Potato Starch Blends as Potential Superdisintegrant for Fast Disintegrating Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate thermally modified sembi seed–potato starch blends as novel natural superdisintegrants for fast disintegrating drug delivery systems (FDDS). Methods: Sembi starch was blended with commercial potato starch in varying ratios (SB1–SB3) and subjected to controlled thermal treatment (retrogradation) to obtain modified blends (RSB1–RSB3). These were characterized for physicochemical properties including water holding capacity, flow properties, and compressibility index. FTIR analysis was performed to assess structural integrity. Tablets (F1–F6) were formulated using native and retrograded blends and evaluated for pharmacopoeial parameters, disintegration time, drug release, and release kinetics. Results: Retrograded blends exhibited improved water holding capacity (83–97%), enhanced flow properties, and reduced compressibility index due to increased crystallinity and molecular reorganization. FTIR confirmed no chemical modification. The tablets complied with pharmacopoeial standards. Formulations with retrograded starch (F4–F6) showed significantly reduced disintegration time (3.53–4.38 min) and superior drug release (up to 99.83% within 2.5 h in acidic medium) compared to native blends (F1–F3). Drug release from formulations F1–F6 was governed by a non-Fickian mechanism and was most accurately characterized by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, reflecting the combined influence of diffusion and polymer relaxation. Conclusion: Thermally modified sembi–potato starch blends demonstrate enhanced functional properties and can serve as effective, sustainable, and biocompatible natural superdisintegrants for FDDS formulations.