Valorization of Musa Parasidiaca Pseudostem Biomass as Extended-Release Matrix for Diclofenac Tablet

Abstract

This study investigates the potential application of valorized Musa parasidiaca pseudostem biomass (VPB) as extended-release tablet excipient. Musa parasidiaca plant is cultivated for its fruit, while its pseudostem is often discarded. M. parasidiaca pseudostem biomass was processed to VPB through soft-chemical treatment. Polymer alloy of VPB with polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) was produced through Kinetisol compounding technique. Nine diclofenac sodium batches (A-I) were granulated and tableted, in which batches A-E contained the alloy, F and G contained Avicel® PH 101-based, while H and I contained physical blends of the VPB and PEG 6000. The VPB, alloy, granules and tablets were evaluated for compression properties and characterized through FTIR, DSC, SEM, and XRD analysis. A VPB yield of 12.9% was obtained. Batches A - E exhibited good granule flow (Hausner’s ratio <1.2, Carr’s index <16.7%), and tablet properties (tensile strength > 9.96 Kg/cm², friability, and disintegration times >36.69 min). Dissolution studies revealed that alloy-based batches (A–E) achieved extended-release properties with ≤60% drug release within 8 hours, and correlation coefficient R² that followed Zero-order release kinetics. The FTIR, DSC and SEM confirmed partial amorphization of diclofenac within the alloy. The study demonstrates the potential of valorized M. parasidiaca pseudostem biomass as a pharmaceutical grade extended-release tablet excipient. Future work can focus on optimizing the processing technique and pharmaceutical application M. paradisiaca pseudostem biomass waste in a circular economy. Soft-chemical, Kinetisol compounding, polymer-alloy, pharmaceutical grade, tablet excipient, circular economy.