A novel approach for constant rate delivery of highly soluble bioactives from a simple monolithic system

Human beta defensin-2 loaded PLGA nanoparticles impregnated in collagen-chitosan composite scaffold for the management of diabetic wounds

Diabetic wound (DW) is the most devastating complication resulting in significant mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. The standard treatment of DW care fails to address the prerequisites of treating DW owing to its multifactorial pathophysiology. Henceforth, developing a single treatment strategy to handle all the loopholes may effectively manage DW. The objective of the current study was to formulate Human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) loaded Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle impregnated in collagen/chitosan (COL-CS) composite scaffolds for the accelerated healing of DW. Upon investigation, the developed biodegradable crosslinked scaffold possesses low matrix degradation, optimum porosity, and sustained drug release than the non-crosslinked scaffold. In vitro studies revealed that the HBD-2 COL-CS scaffold was biocompatible and accelerated cell migration and angiogenesis. The HBD-2 COL-CS scaffold showed significant antimicrobial activity in S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The in vivo studies revealed that the HBD-2 COL-CS treated group accelerated healing compared to those in COL-CS and control groups. The ELISA results indicated a significant decrease in MMP-9, TNF-α, MPO, NAG, and NO with an increase in IL-10 in HBD-2 COL-CS treated group. The accelerated healing in HBD-2 COL-CS treated group might be due to the synergistic effects of PLGA (collagen synthesis and deposition and positive angiogenic effect), HBD-2 (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, positive angiogenic effect, cell proliferation, and migration), COL (established wound healer and stabilizer) and CS (antibacterial, controlled drug release).

Monolayer grafting of aminosilane on magnetic nanoparticles: An efficient approach for targeted drug delivery system

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with higher magnetization are highly desirable for targeted drug delivery (TDD) systems, as it helps accumulation of drug at the target site. However, functionalization of MNPs for drug binding reduces the magnetization which affects the efficacy of TDD. Herein we report direct functionalization of MNPs with (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) which preserves the magnetization. Grafting density estimated by TGA and BET analysis showed monolayer grafting of APTES on MNP surface. MNPs were comprehensively characterized by XRD, HR-TEM, SQUID-VSM and FTIR. Anti-cancerous drug telmisartan (TEL) was loaded on monolayer APTES grafted MNPs. In-vitro controlled drug release and cytotoxicity study on PC-3 human prostate cancer cell line of TEL conjugated MNPs are also discussed. This functionalization strategy can be extended to other biomedical applications where higher magnetization is desired.

Release kinetics of highly porous floating tablets containing cilostazol

This study focuses on developing a highly porous floating tablet containing cilostazol. The underlying release mechanism of cilostazol from porous and floating tablets in dissolution media containing surfactants was investigated. The tablets were prepared by compressing granules and excipients with a sublimating agent, followed by sublimation under vacuum. The volatile material for the sublimating agent was chosen based on its flow properties using conventional methods as well as the twisted blade method. Resultant tablets could float immediately and had significantly higher tensile strengths than conventional tablets of similar porosities, holding a promising potential for increasing gastroretentive properties. Fitting the release profiles to the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation indicated Super Case II, Case II and non-Fickian kinetics, which implied that the release was affected by both floating behavior and matrix erosion. Abrupt changes in release kinetic parameters and erosional behaviors were found between the tablets containing different amounts of HPMC, indicating the existence of an excipient percolation threshold. Neither the surfactant in the media nor the porosity affected the dominant release mechanism, which was matrix erosion. Understanding the dominant release mechanism and percolation threshold allows for tuning the formulation to obtain various release profiles.

Dissolution Failure of Solid Oral Drug Products in Field Alert Reports

From 2005 to 2014, 370 data entries of dissolution failures of solid oral drug products were assessed with respect to the solubility of drug substances, dosage forms [immediate release (IR) vs. modified release (MR)], and manufacturers (brand name vs. generic). The study results show that the solubility of drug substances does not play a significant role in dissolution failures; however, MR drug products fail dissolution tests more frequently than IR drug products. When multiple variables were analyzed simultaneously, poorly water-soluble IR drug products failed the most dissolution tests, followed by poorly soluble MR drug products and very soluble MR drug products. Interestingly, the generic drug products fail dissolution tests at an earlier time point during a stability study than the brand name drug products. Whether the dissolution failure of these solid oral drug products has any in vivo implication will require further pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, clinical, and drug safety evaluation. Food and Drug Administration is currently conducting risk-based assessment using in-house dissolution testing, physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation, and post-market surveillance tools. At the meantime, this interim report will outline a general scheme of monitoring dissolution failures of solid oral dosage forms as a pharmaceutical quality indicator.

Intestinal Targeting of Ganciclovir Release Employing a Novel HEC-PAA Blended Lyomatrix

A hydroxyethylcellulose-poly(acrylic acid) (HEC-PAA) lyomatrix was developed for ganciclovir (GCV) intestine targeting to overcome its undesirable degradation in the stomach. GCV was encapsulated within the HEC-PAA lyomatrix prepared by lyophilization. Conventional tablets were also prepared with identical GCV concentrations in order to compare the GCV release behavior from the lyomatrix and tablets. GCV incorporation (75.12%) was confirmed using FTIR, DSC, and TGA. The effect of GCV loading on the microstructure properties of the lyomatrix was evaluated by SEM, AFM, and BET surface area measurements. The in vitro drug release study showed steady and rapid release profiles from the GCV-loaded lyomatrix compared with the tablet formulation at identical pH values. Minimum GCV release was observed at acidic pH (≤40%) and maximum release occurred at intestinal pH values (≥90%) proving the intestinal targeting ability of the lyomatrix. Kinetic modeling revealed that the GCV-loaded lyomatrix exhibited zero-order release kinetics (n = 1), while the tablets were best described via the Peppas model. Textural analysis highlighted enhanced matrix resilience and rigidity gradient (12.5%, 20 Pa) for the GCV-loaded lyomatrix compared to the pure (7%, 9.5 Pa) HEC-PAA lyomatrix. Bench-top MRI imaging was used to confirm the mechanism of GCV release behavior by monitoring the swelling and erosion rates. The swelling and erosion rate of the tablets was not sufficient to achieve rapid zero-order GCV release as with the lyomatrix. These combined results suggest that the HEC-PAA lyomatrix may be suitable for GCV intestinal targeting after oral administration.

Development of metoprolol tartrate-loaded sustained-release pellets: effect of talc on the mechanism of drug release

Talc is one of the most commonly used antiadherents in the coating film. However, the mechanism of influence of talc on drug release has yet to be fully understood. In this study, metoprolol tartrate (MT)-loaded Eudragit NE 30 D-coated sustained-release (SR) pellets were prepared using talc as an antiadherent in the layering and coating processes. Talc significantly reduced the stickiness of the layered or coated substrates, thus enhancing the process smoothness. Moreover, the incorporation of talc into the coating film significantly affected drug release. The water vapor permeability and drug permeability of free films increased as the concentration of talc increased. Importantly, talc had a dynamic effect on the drug release. The drug release rate of the pellets in the initial stage (within 2 h) increased with increasing talc concentrations, which exceeded the critical pigment volume concentration resulted in leaks formation in the coated film. However, subsequent swelling of the membrane and expansion of the copolymer network eliminated the influence of talc and the drug release was then controlled by the polymeric membrane. These results suggest that talc contributed to the reduction of the sticking of layered or coated substrates, and facilitated the manufacturing process and drug release properties.

An epichlorohydrin-crosslinked semi-interpenetrating GG-PEO network as a xerogel matrix for sustained release of sulpiride

The current study involved the development of a novel sustained release crosslinked semi-IPN xerogel matrix tablet prepared by chemical crosslinking of poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) and gellan gum (GG) employing epichlorohydrin (EPI) as crosslinker. A Box-Behnken design was employed for the statistical optimization of the matrix system to ascertain the ideal combination of native polymeric and crosslinking agents. Characterization studies were performed by employing standard polymer characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Formulated matrix tablets displayed zero-order release kinetics, extending over 24 h. The mechanism of drug release was primarily by swelling and surface erosion. Crosslinked semi-IPN xerogel matrix tablets were compared to non-crosslinked polymer blends; results from the study conducted showed that the physiochemical properties of the PEO and GG were sufficiently modified to allow for sustained release of sulpiride with a 100% drug release at 24 h in a controlled manner as compared to non-crosslinked formulations which displayed further release beyond the test period. Crosslinked formulations displayed water uptake between 450 and 500% indicating a controlled rate of swelling and erosion allowing for sustained release. Surface morphology of the crosslinked system depicted a porous structure formed by interpenetrating networks of polymers, allowing for a greater degree of controlled penetration into the system affording it the ability to sustain drug release. Therefore, conclusively, based on the study performed, crosslinked PEO-GG allows for the sustained release of sulpiride from a hydrophilic semi-IPN xerogel matrix system.

Evaluation of the impacts of formulation variables and excipients on the drug release dynamics of a polyamide 6,10-based monolithic matrix using mathematical tools

Drug release from hydrophilic matrices is regulated mainly by polymeric erosion, disentanglement, dissolution, swelling front movement, drug dissolution and diffusion through the polymeric matrix. These processes depend upon the interaction between the dissolution media, polymeric matrix and drug molecules, which can be significantly influenced by formulation variables and excipients. This study utilized mathematical parameters to evaluate the impacts of selected formulation variables and various excipients on the release performance of hydrophilic polyamide 6,10 (PA 6,10) monolithic matrix. Amitriptyline HCl and theophylline were employed as the high and low solubility model drugs, respectively. The incorporation of different excipient concentrations and changes in formulation components influenced the drug release dynamics as evidenced by computed mathematical quantities (t x%, MDT x%, f 1, f 2, k 1, k 2, and К F). The effects of excipients on drug release from the PA 6,10 monolithic matrix was further elucidated using static lattice atomistic simulations wherein the component energy refinements corroborates the in vitro and in silico experimental data. Consequently, the feasibility of modulating release kinetics of drug molecules from the novel PA 6,10 monolithic matrix was well suggested.

Solid Dispersion Matrix Tablet Comprising Indomethacin-PEG-HPMC Fabricated with Fusion and Mold Technique

The purpose of this study is to fabricate the polyethylene glycol matrix tablet by mold technique. Indomethacin and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose were used as model drug and polymer, respectively, in PEG matrix system. The physical and drug release characteristics of developed matrix tablet were studied. This inert carrier system comprising 7:3 polyethylene glycol 4000: polyethylene glycol 400 could effectively enhance the solubility of indomethacin and an addition of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose could sustain the drug release. Scanning electron microscope photomicrograph indicated the drug diffusion outward through the porous network of this developed matrix tablet into the dissolution fluid. Least square fitting the experimental dissolution data to the mathematical expressions (power law, first-order, Higuchi's and zero-order) indicated the drug release kinetics primarily as Fickian diffusion. Both the enhancement of drug dissolution and the prolongation of the drug release could be achieved for aqueous insoluble drug such as, indomethacin, by using polyethylene glycol-hydroxypropylmethylcellulose matrix system prepared with melting and mold technique.

Simultaneous delivery of Nifedipine and Metoprolol tartarate using sandwiched osmotic pump tablet system

The sandwiched osmotic tablet system that could deliver Nifedipine and Metoprolol tartarate simultaneously for extended period of time was developed in order to reduce the problems associated with multidrug therapy of hypertension. This system composed of a middle push layer and attached drug layers of Nifedipine and Metoprolol. The advantage of the sandwiched osmotic tablet system over the commercialized push-pull osmotic tablet system is its simplicity of preparation, as the surface identification was avoided. Polyethylene oxide 600,000 and 8,000,000 g/mole were used as thickening agent of drug layer and the expandable hydrogel of push layer, respectively. It has been observed that amount of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and KCL of the drug and push layer had profound influence on Nifedipine and Metoprolol release. Further, the release of drugs was optimized by the size of the delivery orifice, level of plasticizer and membrane thickness. The optimal osmotic pump tablet was found to deliver both drugs at a rate of approximately zero order for up to 16 h independent of pH and agitational intensity, but dependent on the osmotic pressure of the release media. The formulations were found to be stable after 3 months of accelerated stability studies. Prediction of steady-state levels showed the plasma concentrations of Nifedipine and Metoprolol to be within the desired range. Further sandwiched system had a good sustained effect in comparison with the conventional product. Hence the prototype design of the system could be applied to other combinations of drugs used for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.

A design and evaluation of layered matrix tablet formulations of metoprolol tartrate

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the performance of different swellable polymers in the form of layered matrix tablets to provide controlled therapeutic effect of metoprolol tartrate for twice daily administration. Seven different swellable polymers (carrageenan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, pectin, guar gum, xanthan gum, chitosan, and ethyl cellulose) were evaluated alone or in combination as release-retardant layer. Tablets were tested for weight variation, hardness, diameter/thickness ratio, friability, and drug content uniformity and subjected to in vitro drug-release studies. In addition, the target-release profile of metoprolol tartrate was plotted using its clinical pharmacokinetic data, and the release profiles of the tablets were evaluated in relation to the plotted target release profile. Carrageenan was determined as the best polymer in two-layered matrix tablet formulations due to its better accordance to the target release profile and was selected for preparing three-layered matrix tablets. Carrageenan formulations exhibited super case II release mechanism. Accelerated stability testing was performed on two- and three-layered matrix tablet formulations of carrageenan. The tablets were stored at 25 degrees C/60% relative humidity and 40 degrees C/75% relative humidity for 6 months and examined for physical appearance, drug content, and release characteristics. At the end of the storage time, formulations showed no change either in physical appearance, drug content, or drug-release profile. These results demonstrated the suitability of three-layered tablet formulation of carrageenan to provide controlled release and improved linearity for metoprolol tartrate in comparison to two-layered tablet formulation.

The influence of polyamide 6,10 synthesis variables on the physicochemical characteristics and drug release kinetics from a monolithic tablet matrix

This study investigated the influence of solute-solvent quotients on the physicochemical properties and release kinetics of two amitryptyline-loaded polyamide 6,10 (PA 6,10) monolithic matrices, Formulations A and B (FA and FB). The molecular mass, crystallinity, structural elucidation and thermo-transitions were assessed using mass spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, FTIR and DSC. Surface morphologies of the matrices and physicomechanical strength were captured using SEM and textural analysis. Drug release, distension and matrix erosion were evaluated using mathematical modeling. FA and FB displayed overall drug release fractions of 0.58 and 0.92 with 55% and 30% of matrix remaining over 24 hours, respectively. The indentation diameters (FA = 1.51 mm; FB = 2.39 mm), deformation energies (FA = 0.02 J; FB = 0.03 J) and Brinell Hardness Numbers (FA = 17.88 N/mm²; FB = 14.45 N/mm²) were divergent. SEM revealed irregular matrix surfaces with varying pore distributions. Minimal shifts in the structural backbone of PA 6,10 and semi-crystallinity was noted. Multiple reversible and irreversible thermal transitions with molar masses of FA = 345.2 g/mol and FB = 307.2 g/mol were obtained. Drug release supported by in vivo studies provided sustained plasma levels of amitryptyline (T(max) = 24 ± 0.5 h and 12 ± 0.5 h; C(max) = 0.024 ± 0.003 μg/mL and 0.036 ± 0.002 μg/mL for FA and FB, respectively) compared to a conventional formulation, Trepiline® (T(max) = 4 ± 0.5 h and C(max) = 0.05 ± 0.002 μg/mL). The physicochemical properties of both formulations were reversibly influenced by differences in the PA 6,10 solute-solvent quotient employed during development.

Kinetic and Structural Modeling Mechanisms of Melatonin Transport from an Electrolytically Regulated Salted-out PLGA Scaffold

This study focused on optimizing the mechanism of zero-order active pre-programmed release of melatonin from a salted-out PLGA scaffold. A Box—Behnken design, modeled the formulations, required for optimizing the melatonin entrapment efficiency (EE), mean dissolution time at 30 days (MDT30) and the release rate constant ( k). Response Surface Methodology depicted the influence of NaCl, CaCl2, and AlCl3 on the release kinetics. Qualitative structural kinetic modeling and quantitative mathematical modeling of release data supported the kinetic events, interaction parameters, and melatonin transport phenomena that resolved the constraints governing the rate and extent of melatonin release. A salted-out PLGA chain was evaluated by rheological studies and braided rope-coiling and nonbraided nonrope coiling with dynamic simulations capturing the coherent structural transitions in the turbulent release medium with the influence of salts on the swelling or erosion, energy dissipation, and subsequent melatonin release. The release was mainly governed by erosion and not affected by time-dependent diffusion resistance (Hopfenberg model; n = 0.95; R2 = 0.96; ke = 0.11—4.69×10-3mm/min; D = 0.110—0.893 × 10 -8 cm2/s; Debrelease = 0.016—1.312). Swelling parameters confirmed that polymer swelling did not significantly influence melatonin release (δ = 0.232.00 mm, v = 0.027—0.181 cm/s, S w = 0.010—0.542). EE values ranged between 46% and 90% and were dependant on the salt type and concentration. AlCl3 and NaCl blends increased the k values (0.0050) indicating their significance in melatonin release. The optimal scaffold (EE = 95%; MDT30 = 1; k = 0.0050) was predicted to comprise 1.1451 and 0.8264 w/v of NaCl and AlCl3, respectively, with the exclusion of CaCl2 in order to achieve zero-order kinetics over 30 days. The kinetic modeling approach enabled a qualitative and quantitative description of melatonin release patterns from the salted-out PLGA scaffolds thus facilitating the manipulation and prediction of drug release from PLGA modification by salting-out.

High-Throughput Evaluation of Non-Swellable Controlled Release Matrix Tablets

Drug release from controlled-release (CR) matrix tablets involves the permeation and diffusion of water through the system. In this study, a new methodology is proposed for the measurement of water permeation and simultaneous drug release from the inert, non-swellable CR matrix tablet of diltiazem (DLT) and a correlation is made between these two processes. Cylindrical matrices were readily prepared by direct compression of pellets obtained by extrusion-spheronization. Water transport was studied using tritiated water (HTO) as a permeant in a Franz-diffusion cell and simultaneously drug release was measured. Further, dissolution was performed on USP XXI/XXII dissolution apparatus I using demineralized water. Matrices showed a steady water-uptake up to 6 h and the steady state for HTO permeation lasting from 6-h to 24-h Flux of water permeated and flux of drug released correlated well. Thus, HTO permeation through the matrix tablet and the proposed methodology can be used as a tool and/or surrogate marker for evaluation of controlled release matrix tablets. This methodology can be coined as "high-throughput" in terms of amount of labor and resources required in comparison to that of dissolution.

Development of Near Zero-Order Release Dosage Forms Using Three-Dimensional Printing (3-DP™) Technology

Three near zero-order controlled-release pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (PEH) formulations demonstrating proportional release rates were developed using 3-Dimensional Printing (3-DP) technology. Mixtures of Kollidon SR and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) were used as drug carriers. The release rates were adjusted by varying the Kollidon SR-HPMC ratio while keeping fabrication parameters constant. The dosage forms were composed of an immediate release core and a release rate regulating shell, fabricated with an aqueous PEH and an ethanolic triethyl citrate (TEC) binder, respectively. The dosage form design called for the drug to be released via diffusional pathways formed by HPMC in the shell matrix. The release rate was shown to increase correspondingly with the fraction of HPMC contained in the polymer blend. The designed formulations resulted in dosage forms that were insensitive to changes in pH of the dissolution medium, paddle stirring rate, and the presence/absence of a sinker. The near zero-order release properties were unchanged regardless of the dissolution test being performed on either single cubes or on a group of eight cubes encased within a gelatin capsule shell. The chemical and dissolution properties of the three formulations remained unchanged following 1 month's exposure to 25 degrees C/60% RH or 40 degrees C/75% RH environment under open container condition. The in vivo performance of the three formulations was evaluated using a single-dose, randomized, open-label, four-way crossover clinical study composed of 10 fasted healthy volunteers. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using a noncompartmental model. Qualitative rank order linear correlations between in vivo absorption profiles and in vitro dissolution parameters (with slope and intercept close to unity and origin, respectively) were obtained for all three formulations, indicating good support for a Level A in vivo/in vitro correlation.

Formulation variables influencing drug release from layered matrix system comprising chitosan and xanthan gum

The purpose of this study was to investigate the formulation variables influencing the drug release from the layered tablets containing chitosan and xanthan gum as matrix component. Increasing the amount of lactose could diminish pH sensitive release behavior of these matrix tablets. Effect of formulation variables on drug release from the prepared three-layered matrix tablets was investigated. The amount of drug loading did not affect the drug release which was influenced by the hydrodynamic force and the matrix composition. An increase in stirring rate correspondingly increased the release rate. Moreover, incorporation of soluble diluents in core or barrier could enhance the drug release. Least square fitting the experimental dissolution data to the mathematical expressions (power law, first order, Higuchi's and zero order) was carried out to study the drug release mechanism. Most dissolution profiles of the prepared three-layered tablets provided a better fit to zero order kinetic than to first order kinetic and Higuchi's equation.

Analysis and modeling of swelling and erosion behavior for pure HPMC tablet

This work is focused on the transport phenomena which take place during immersion in water of pure hydroxypropylmethylcellulose tablets. The water uptake, the swelling and the erosion during immersion were investigated in drug-free systems, as a preliminary task before to undertake the study of drug-loaded ones. The tablets, obtained by powder compression, were confined between glass slabs to allow water uptake only by lateral surface and then immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C, with simultaneous video-recording. By image analysis the normalized light intensity profiles were obtained and taken as a measure of the water mass fraction. The time evolutions of the total tablet mass, of the water mass and of the erosion radius were measured, too. Thus a novel method to measure polymer and water masses during hydration was pointed out. Then, a model consisting in the transient mass balance, accounting for water diffusion, diffusivity change due to hydration, swelling and erosion, was found able to reproduce all experimental data. Even if the model was already used in literature, the novelty of our approach is to compare model predictions with a complete set of experimental data, confirming that the main phenomena were correctly identified and described.

Ion pair-mediated transport of metoprolol across a three lipid-component PAMPA system

Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) is a method to screen drug candidates for membrane permeability. The objective was to characterize the transport of a model weak base, metoprolol, across a three lipid-component PAMPA system (denoted A-PAMPA, for anionic-PAMPA) and challenge ion pairing as a mechanism for metoprolol transport. A-PAMPA was designed to mimic the lipid composition of the enterocyte's plasma membrane and included 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-l-serine] (PS18:1) as an anionic lipid-component. Metoprolol flux was measured across A-PAMPA, as well as across three other PAMPA systems. Permeability studies were conducted under various conditions, with varying pH, ionic strength, and presence/absence of competing cations. Permeabilities of mannitol and benzoic acid, as model neutral and anionic solutes, were also measured. PAMPA membrane fluidity was inferred from anisotropy measurements in liposomes. Ion pairing between metoprolol and PS18:1 was assessed via NMR. Metoprolol transport across A-PAMPA was dominated by an ion pair-mediated mechanism (i.e. metoprolol-PS18:1 complex), rather than a membrane fluidity-mediated mechanism. Compared to other PAMPA systems, metoprolol permeability across A-PAMPA and PS18:1 was high. Permeability and anisotropy values suggested PS18:1 selectively facilitated metoprolol transport, while neutral lipid did not. Additional studies supporting ion pairing of metoprolol across A-PAMPA showed that a) metoprolol transport was self-inhibited across A-PAMPA but not across neutral lipid PAMPA; b) competing cations reduced metoprolol permeability across A-PAMPA but not across neutral lipid PAMPA; and c) NMR spectrum of a mixture of metoprolol and PS18:1 showed a broadening of some metoprolol peaks, presumably due to metoprolol interaction with anionic lipid. Metoprolol transport across a three lipid-component PAMPA system that contained anionic lipid was facilitated by apparent ion pairing.

Formulation of rate-modulating pellets for the release of ibuprofen: an extrusion-spheronization process

PURPOSE

To develop a stable and reproducible modified release pellet formulation containing ibuprofen.

METHODS

Using extrusion-spheronization technology to produce pellets.

RESULTS

The percentage yield, size distribution and overall pellet shape within the desired size range of 1000-1400 microm was found to be dependent on various process variables. These include extrusion and spheronization speed, spheronization time and composition of the granulation fluid. Formulation factors such as viscosity grade of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and concentration of microcrystalline cellulose were shown to influence the drug release rate of the pellets. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that the pellets behaved in a pH-dependent manner. Pellets exposed to different drying techniques exhibited an increase in drug release rate in the order corresponding to oven-dried, vacuum-dried, fluid bed-dried and freeze-dried pellets. In conjunction with scanning electron microscopy, kinetic modelling and statistical treatment of dissolution data, it was confirmed that the predominant release rate-controlling mechanism was diffusion, as evidenced from the power law expressions incorporating Fickian and relaxational parameters (M(t) /M(infinity) = K(1)t(n); M(t) /M(infinity) = K(1)t(2n)). Matrix swelling and erosion were not significant factors in modulating the drug release rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The pH-dependent property of the pellets may be strategically employed towards development of a site-specific drug delivery system for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In general, targeting the delivery of an agent with potential for gastric irritation to the proximal intestine/colon may effectively reduce its ulcerogenic effect and ultimately contribute towards improved patient compliance.

Analysis of macromolecular changes and drug release from hydrophilic matrix systems

The influence of water-soluble and insoluble excipients on dynamics of hydration, front movement, erosion, and drug release from hydrophilic matrix tablets containing water-soluble drug was studied. Tablets were manufactured by direct compression, and their un-constrained swelling behavior and gel strength were assessed with a texture analyzer. Dissolution was performed using USP 26 apparatus II modified by insertion of a mesh to prevent sticking of tablets to the bottom of the vessel and to allow free three-dimensional matrix swelling. Significant release differences between tablet batches were observed and this was consistent with changes in swelling rate, gel thickness, and swelling front movement within the tablets. Matrices containing approximately 30% drug load and water-soluble lactose, demonstrated more pronounced swelling front movement and hence drug release relative to the matrix tablets containing dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. The observed differences in release were verified by calculating the similarity and difference factors. The interdependence of front movement and mass erosion in relation to excipient types on progression of swelling front movement and alteration of water penetration, erosion, and drug release are explained. It is concluded that unlike in conventional dosage forms inclusion of excipients in hydrophilic controlled-release tablets containing water-soluble drugs should be carefully analyzed as their various physico-chemical properties may have significant implications on swelling dynamics, front movement, drug release kinetics, and consequently in vivo performance.

Design and evaluation of 1- and 3-layer matrices of verapamil hydrochloride for sustaining its release

The present study was performed to design oral controlled delivery systems for the water-soluble drug, verapamil hydrochloride, using natural and semisynthetic polymers as carriers in the forms of 1- and 3-layer matrix tablets. Verapamil hydrochloride 1-layer matrix tablets containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, tragacanth, and acacia either alone or mixed were prepared by direct compression technique. 3-layer matrix tablets were prepared by compressing the polymers as release retardant layers on both sides of the core containing the drug. The prepared tablets were subjected to in vitro drug release studies. Tragacanth when used as the carrier in the formulation of 1- and 3-layer matrices produced satisfactory release prolongation either alone or in combination with the other 2 polymers. On the other hand, acacia did not show enough prolonging efficiency in 1- and 3-layer matrix tablets. The results also showed that the location of the polymers in the 3-layer tablets has a pronounced effect on the drug release. Kinetic analysis of drug release from matrices exhibiting sustained release indicated that release was predominantly attributable to the contribution made by Fickian diffusion, while the erosion/relaxation mechanisms had a minor role in the release.

Influence of micro-environmental pH on the gel layer behavior and release of a basic drug from various hydrophilic matrices

The purpose of this investigation is to understand the influence of gastrointestinal (GI) pH on the gel layer formation and its dynamics for various hydrophilic/swellable matrices, in the process of developing a pH-independent controlled release system for a basic drug, oxybutynin hydrochloride (OXB). Cylindrical matrices (8-mm diameter) without and with fumaric acid, were readily prepared by direct compression. Formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug release, and gel layer dynamics was studied by viscosity measurements and texture profiling analysis. In the in vitro drug release study, OXB, which shows pH-dependent solubility, showed faster release from all the matrices in pH 1.2 medium. Release rates enhanced to a lesser extent with change of medium from pH 6.8 to pH 1.2, for HPMC polymer matrices. Anionic polymer matrices showed drastic differences in the release rates when medium was changed from pH 6.8 to pH 1.2. Addition of fumaric acid to matrices demonstrated pH-independent drug release, which was attributed to the micro-environmental pH manipulation within the hydrated gel layer. Viscosity and texture profiling studies revealed that saturation solubility of drug at swelling front play a major role in the pH-dependent drug release from HPMC matrices, while both saturation solubility and the altered gel consistency as a function of pH are involved with anionic polymer matrices. Presence of fumaric acid in HPMC matrices showed efficient retardation and pH-independent drug release. In conclusion, understanding the influence of GI physiological pH on the gel layer dynamics and manipulating the micro-environmental pH provides efficient and predictable in vivo performance from these swellable cylindrical matrices.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of guar gum-based three-layer matrix tablets for oral controlled delivery of highly soluble metoprolol tartrate as a model drug

The objective of the present study is to carry out pharmacokinetic evaluation of oral controlled release formulation (guar gum-based three-layer matrix tablets) containing highly soluble metoprolol tartrate as a model drug. Six healthy volunteers participated in the study, and a two-way crossover design was followed. The plasma concentration of metoprolol tartrate was estimated by reverse-phase HPLC. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration of metoprolol tartrate versus time data. The delayed T(max) lower C(max) decreased K(a) unaltered bioavailability and prolonged t(1/2) indicated a slow and prolonged release of metoprolol tartrate from guar gum three-layer matrix tablets in comparison with the immediate release tablet dosage form. The results of the study indicated that guar gum three-layer matrix tablets were able to provide oral controlled delivery of highly water-soluble drug such as metoprolol tartrate in humans.

Calcium sulphate-based cements containing cephalexin

Cephalexin containing gypsum and apatite/gypsum cements have been synthesised. The presence of cephalexin into the cements does not alter neither the physico-chemical behaviour of the cements nor produce structural changes on them. These cements behave as drug delivery systems when soaked in simulated body fluid. The release of the drug is different depending on the composition. For gypsum cements, the cephalexin is quickly released, helped by a dissolution process of the matrix, whereas the drug release is more controlled by the hydroxyapatite presence in hydroxyapatite/gypsum samples. Apatite containing cements do not only show a different drug release process, also the paste viscosity is lower and a faster formation "in vitro" of an apatite-type layer on their surface is observed.

Oral Controlled Release Formulation for Highly Water‐Soluble Drugs: Drug–Sodium Alginate–Xanthan Gum–Zinc Acetate Matrix

An oral controlled release formulation matrix for highly water-soluble drugs was designed and developed to achieve a 24-hour release profile. Using ranitidine HCl as a model drug, sodium alginate formulation matrices containing xanthan gum or zinc acetate or both were investigated. The caplets for these formulations were prepared by direct compression and the in vitro release tests were carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.5) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2). The release of the drug in the sodium alginate formulation containing only xanthan gum completed within 12 hours in the SIF, while the drug release in the sodium alginate formulation containing only zinc acetate finished almost within 2 hours in the same medium. Only the sodium alginate formulation containing both xanthan gum and zinc acetate achieved a 24-hour release profile, either in the SIF or in the pH change medium. In the latter case, the caplet released in the SGF for 2 hours was immediately transferred into the SIF to continue the release test. The results showed that the presence of both xanthan gum and zinc acetate in sodium alginate matrix played a key role in controlling the drug release for 24 hours. The helical structure and high viscosity of xanthan gum might prevent zinc ions from diffusing out of the ranitidine HCl--sodium alginate--xanthan gum--zinc acetate matrix so that zinc ions could react with sodium alginate to form zinc alginate precipitate with a cross-linking structure. The cross-linking structure might control a highly water-soluble drug to release for 24 hours. Evaluation of the release data showed the release mechanism for the novel formulation might be attributed to the diffusion of the drug.

A three-layer guar gum matrix tablet for oral controlled delivery of highly soluble metoprolol tartrate

The objective of the study is to design oral controlled drug delivery systems for highly water-soluble drugs using guar gum as a carrier in the form of a three-layer matrix tablet. Metoprolol tartrate was chosen as a model drug because of its high water solubility. Matrix tablets containing either 30 (M1), 40 (M2) or 50% (M3) of guar gum were prepared by wet granulation technique using starch paste as a binder. Three-layer matrix tablets of metoprolol tartrate were prepared by compressing on both sides of guar gum matrix tablet granules of metoprolol tartrate M1, M2 or M3 with either 50 (TL1M1, TL1M2 or TL1M3) or 75 mg (TL2M1, TL2M2 or TL2M3) of guar gum granules as release retardant layers. Both the matrix and three-layer matrix tablets were evaluated for hardness, thickness, drug content uniformity, and subjected to in vitro drug release studies. The amount of metoprolol tartrate released from the matrix and three-layer matrix tablets at different time intervals was estimated by using a HPLC method. Matrix tablets of metoprolol tartrate were unable to provide the required drug release rate. However, the three-layer guar gum matrix tablets (TL2M3) provided the required release rate on par with the theoretical release rate for metoprolol tartrate formulations meant for twice daily administration. The three-layer guar gum matrix tablet (TL2M3) showed no change either in physical appearance, drug content or in dissolution pattern after storage at 40 degrees C/75% RH for 6 months. The FT-IR study did not show any possibility of metoprolol tartrate/guar gum interaction with the formulation excipients used in the study. The results indicated that guar gum, in the form of three-layer matrix tablets, is a potential carrier in the design of oral controlled drug delivery systems for highly water-soluble drugs such as metoprolol tartrate.

Probing the dynamics of matrix hydration in the presence of electrolytes

The aim of our work was to probe the mechanisms associated with induced matrix stiffening via textural analysis as a consequence of in situ electrolyte interactions within hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrices in relation to their role in controlling the release of highly soluble drugs such as diltiazem hydrochloride (>50% water soluble at 25 degrees C). The dynamics of HPMC and PEO matrix swelling during hydration in the presence of appropriate electrolytes intended to induce constant drug release rates from simple monolithic systems are influenced by continuously shifting peripheral matrix stiffening toward the matrix core in a manner dependent on electrolyte content and hydration time. Matrix erosion for HPMC and PEO controls (i.e., without electrolyte) follow linear dissolution kinetics (r2 > 0.97), while formulations with electrolyte characteristically undergo a square root of time decline in weight. The swelling potential of the electrolyte-containing matrices, influenced by the boundary infiltration process, reflected considerable suppression during the first 2 hr of exposure to medium, while subsequent events differed in both polymers. In view of these differences, simultaneous measurements in textural transitions and electrolyte conductivity showed that PEO has a higher affinity for water molecules than does HPMC.