Silica-nanoparticles in slow release supplement: preparation and characterization

The nanosilica was prepared from bamboo leaves ash by calcination method in 800°C for an hour. The result was 350 g silica from 500 g of its ash. The SEM shows a homogeneous surface of SiO₂ and the EDX consists of 56,73% Si. The FTIR test indicates the Si-O-Si functional groups. The XRD shows 2θ = 21,6 which corresponds to JCPDS No. 39-1425 and 18-1170. The supplement was vitamin C tablet which prepared into slow release supplement model, by mixing of three component : generic ascorbic acid, magnesium stearate, and nanosilica in certain composition. Some assessments were carried out to determine the tablet's characteristic: the size, homogeneity, and hardness. Physical testing of the slow-release vitamin C tablet was found to meet the requirements of tablet by Indonesian Farmakope. In vitro assessment was represented by dissolution test in simulation solutions of stomach by 0,1M HCl and the intestine by citric acid. The result showed that the dissolution of the samples were slower than the control tablets. This indicates that the addition of silica-nanoparticles affect the characteristics of slow release supplement. (paper)