In this study, an inorganic–organic composite system was developed through biomineralization of calcium carbonate in the quince-seed mucilage-based hydrogel. Drug-polymer interactions were studied by FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM analysis. The water absorption capacity was calculated by swelling index. Drug release was determined at various pH. Several in vitro kinetic models were applied to observe drug release behaviour. Studies of drug-polymer interactions and particle flow characteristics of the developed composite material have shown that there is good compatibility between drug and the excipients. The XRD and SEM results confirmed calcite polymorphs in the developed composite material. Thermograms showed that the developed composite material was heat stable. A restricted drug release was observed in an acidic medium (pH 1.2). A controlled drug release was depicted from the developed system at pH 6.8. The drug release mechanism of Super Case II was suggested. The developed system was considered to be an effective drug carrier for colon targeted oral delivery of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to avoid gastric irritation and risk of ulceration. Graphical abstract An illustration of extraction of quince hydrogel and development of calcium carbonate-quince (CaCO 3 -Q) composite system; QSM = Quince seed mucilage Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00289-022-04400-1.