Exploring the Impact of Co-60 Gamma Radiation on the Physicochemical Properties of Ethyl Cellulose
摘要
Ethyl cellulose (EC) is a non-toxic, tasteless and biocompatible polymer derivative of Cellulose. Due to its biocompatible and hydrophobic nature, EC is extensively used as an encapsulating material for the controlled release of drugs. Gamma radiation sterilization has proven to be the most efficient and acceptable method worldwide for sterilizing the final drug products. Gamma sterilization has more advantages than convention methods like high penetrating power, isothermal character and non-residual. It assures killing the micro-organisms by breaking nucleic acid and halts cell division. In the present study, dried EC was packed in a thin polyethylene sheet and are irradiated with Co-60 gamma source, delivering doses 30, 60, and 90 kGy. Irradiation has produced the radicals of type