Statistical optimization of gastric floating system for oral controlled delivery of calcium

Advanced polymers and recent advancements on gastroretentive drug delivery system; a comprehensive review

Oral route of drug administration is typically the initial option for drug administration because it is both practical and affordable. However, major drawback of this route includes the release of drug at a specified place thus reduces the bioavailability. This could be overcome by utilising the gastroretentive drug delivery system (GRRDS). Prolonged stomach retention improves bioavailability and increases solubility for medicines that are unable to dissolve in high pH environments. Many recent advancements in the floating, bio adhesive, magnetic, expandable, raft forming and ion exchange systems have been made that had led towards advanced form of drug delivery. From the past few years, floating drug delivery system has been most commonly utilised for the delivery of drug in a delayed manner. Various polymers have been utilised for manufacturing of these systems, including alginates, chitosan, pectin, carrageenan's, xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carbomer, polyethylene oxide and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose. Chitosan, pectin and xanthan gum have been found to be most commonly used polymers in the manufacturing of drug inclusion complex for gastroretentive drug delivery. This study aimed to define various types and advanced polymers as well as also highlights recent advances and future perspectives of gastroretentive drug delivery system.

Preparation and Characterization of Controlled-Release Floating Bilayer Tablets of Esomeprazole and Clarithromycin

Controlled-release effervescent floating bilayer tablets reduce dosage frequency and improve patient compliance with enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Generally, two different tablets of clarithromycin and esomeprazole, respectively, are given for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection and it might be worth incorporating both in a single tablet. In the current study, controlled-release floating bilayer tablets of clarithromycin and esomeprazole (F1−F4) were developed with different rates of polymeric materials by a direct compression method. During the formulation, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed for possible interactions between drugs and excipients. No interactions between drugs and excipients were noted. Moreover, the bilayer tablets’ thickness, diameter, friability, hardness, weight variation, dissolution, and percent purity were found within the acceptable limits. The floating lag time and total floating time of all formulations were found to be < 25 s and 24 h, respectively. The release of both the clarithromycin and esomeprazole started at the same time from the controlled-release floating bilayer tablets by anomalous non-Fickian diffusion, and the polymeric materials extended the drug release rate up to 24 h. In the case of F1, the results approached ideal zero-order kinetics. The dissolution profiles of the tested and reference tablet formulations were compared, but no significant differences were observed. It can be concluded that such controlled-release effervescent floating bilayer tablets can be efficiently used in clinical practice to reduce dosage frequency and increase patient compliance with continuous drug release for 24 h, which ultimately might enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Formulation and optimization of gastroretentive bilayer tablets of calcium carbonate using D-optimal mixture design

Gastroretentive bilayer tablets of calcium carbonate (CC) were developed using D-optimal mixture design. The effect of formulation factors such as levels of HPMC K100 M (X1), sodium bicarbonate (X2), and HPMC E15 LV (X3) on responses like floating lag time (R1) and release of CC at 1 h (R2) and 6 h (R3) was elucidated. The optimized formulations developed by numerical optimization technique were found to have short floating lag time (2.85 ± 0.98 min), minimum burst release (27.02 ± 1.18%), and controlled yet near complete release (88.98 ± 2.75%) at 6 h. In vivo radiographic studies in rabbits indicated that optimized batch displayed a mean gastric retention time (GRT) of 5.5 ± 1 h which was significantly prolonged (P < 0.05) compared to the conventional tablets that displayed a GRT of less than 1 h. The studies proved that the gastroretentive tablets can be a promising platform to improve bioavailability of nutrients having absorption window in upper gastrointestinal tract.

Different methodologies for sustainability of optimization techniques used in submerged and solid state fermentation

Optimization techniques are considered as a part of nature's way of adjusting to the changes happening around it. There are different factors that establish the optimum working condition or the production of any value-added product. A model is accepted for a particular process after its sustainability has been verified on a statistical and analytical level. Optimization techniques can be divided into categories as statistical, nature inspired and artificial neural network each with its own benefits and usage in particular cases. A brief introduction about subcategories of different techniques that are available and their computational effectivity will be discussed. The main focus of the study revolves around the applicability of these techniques to any particular operation such as submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF), their ability to produce secondary metabolites and the usefulness in the laboratory and industrial level. Primary studies to determine the enzyme activity of different microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeast will also be discussed. l-Asparaginase, the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) shall be considered as an example, a short discussion on models used in the production by the processes of SmF and SSF will be discussed to understand the optimization techniques that are being dealt. It is expected that this discussion would help in determining the proper technique that can be used in running any optimization process for different purposes, and would help in making these processes less time-consuming with better output.

Effect of directly compressible excipient and treated agar on drug release of clopidogrel oral disintegrating tablets

AIM

In the present investigation, oral dissolving/dispersible/disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of clopidogrel were designed with a view to enhance the bioavailability and patient compliance by two different methods, namely, direct compression and effervescent methods using directly compressible excipient and treated agar (TAG).

MATERIALS & METHODS

In the direct compression method, TAG was used as a disintegrant and another method used a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid along with TAG as disintegrants.

RESULTS

Among the directly compressed tablets, treated agar formulation 3 and among the effervescent tablets, treated agar and effervescent formulation 4 was found to be promising.

CONCLUSION

Treated agar formulation 3 prepared by direct compression method emerged as an overall best formulation based on the in vitro drug release characteristics.

Optimization of Paclitaxel Containing pH-Sensitive Liposomes By 3 Factor, 3 Level Box-Behnken Design

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of 3 independent variables in the preparation of paclitaxel containing pH-sensitive liposomes. A 3 factor, 3 levels Box-Behnken design was used to derive a second order polynomial equation and construct contour plots to predict responses. The independent variables selected were molar ratio phosphatidylcholine:diolylphosphatidylethanolamine (X₁), molar concentration of cholesterylhemisuccinate (X₂), and amount of drug (X₃). Fifteen batches were prepared by thin film hydration method and evaluated for percent drug entrapment, vesicle size, and pH sensitivity. The transformed values of the independent variables and the percent drug entrapment were subjected to multiple regression to establish full model second order polynomial equation. F was calculated to confirm the omission of insignificant terms from the full model equation to derive a reduced model polynomial equation to predict the dependent variables. Contour plots were constructed to show the effects of X₁, X₂, and X₃ on the percent drug entrapment. A model was validated for accurate prediction of the percent drug entrapment by performing checkpoint analysis. The computer optimization process and contour plots predicted the levels of independent variables X₁, X₂, and X₃ (0.99, –0.06, 0, respectively), for maximized response of percent drug entrapment with constraints on vesicle size and pH sensitivity.

Prolonged intragastric drug delivery mediated by Eudragit® E-carrageenan polyelectrolyte matrix tablets

Interpolyelectrolyte (IPE) complexation between carrageenan (CG) and Eudragit E (EE) was studied in 0.1 M HCl and was used to develop floating matrix tablets aimed to prolong gastric-residence time and sustain delivery of the loaded drug. The optimum EE/CG IPE complexation weight ratio (0.6) was determined in 0.1 M HCl using apparent viscosity measurements. The IPE complex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Metronidazole matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression using EE, CG, or hybrid EE/CG with ratio optimal for IPE complexation. Corresponding effervescent tablets were prepared by including Na bicarbonate as an effervescent agent. Tablets were evaluated for in vitro buoyancy and drug release in 0.1 M HCl. Both CG and EE-CG effervescent matrices (1:2 drug to polymer weight ratio, 60 mg Na bicarbonate) achieved fast and prolonged floating with floating lag times less than 30 s and floating duration of more than 10 h. The corresponding EE effervescent matrices showed delayed floating and rapid drug release, and completely dissolved after 3 h of dissolution. CG matrices showed an initial burst drug release (48.3±5.0% at 1 h) followed by slow drug release over 8 h. EE-CG matrices exhibited sustained drug release in almost zero-order manner for 10 h (68.2±6.6%). The dissolution data of these matrices were fitted to different dissolution models. It was found that drug release followed zero-order kinetics and was controlled by the superposition of the diffusion and erosion.

Design and optimization of floating drug delivery system of acyclovir

The purpose of the present work was to design and optimize floating drug delivery systems of acyclovir using psyllium husk and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M as the polymers and sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. A 3(2) full factorial design was used for optimization of drug release profile. The amount of psyllium husk (X1) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M (X2) were selected as independent variables. The times required for 50% (t(50%)) and 70% (t(70%)) drug dissolution were selected as dependent variables. All the designed nine batches of formulations were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content uniformity, swelling index, in vitro buoyancy, and in vitro drug release profile. All formulations had floating lag time below 3 min and constantly floated on dissolution medium for more than 24 h. Validity of the developed polynomial equation was verified by designing two check point formulations (C1 and C2). The closeness of predicted and observed values for t(50%) and t(70%) indicates validity of derived equations for the dependent variables. These studies indicated that the proper balance between psyllium husk and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M can produce a drug dissolution profile similar to the predicted dissolution profile. The optimized formulations followed Higuchi's kinetics while the drug release mechanism was found to be anomalous type, controlled by diffusion through the swollen matrix.

Development and evaluation of sustained release gastroretentive minimatrices for effective treatment of H. pylori infection

In the present work, sustained release gastroretentive minimatrices of amoxicillin have been designed and optimized using central composite design. Effect of amount of xanthan gum, rate controlling polymers (HPMC K100M CR/PEO coagulant (1:1)), carbopol 974P, and gas generating couple (sodium bicarbonate/citric acid (3:1)) was studied on dependent (response) variables, i.e., buoyancy lag time, drug release at 1 h, time required for 95% drug release, swelling index, and bioadhesive strength. Minimatrices were prepared by non aqueous granulation method using solution of PVP K30 in isopropyl alcohol. All the formulations were found to contain 99.2% to 100.9% of amoxicillin per minimatrix. Optimum formulation (Formulation number AGT09) containing high level of the independent variables was having buoyancy lag time of 7 min and drug release at 1 h was 32.5%. It required 9.39 h for 95% drug release while swelling index and bioadhesive strength were 341 and 17.9 dyn/cm(2), respectively. This formulation was said to be optimum because it has minimum buoyancy lag time, requires maximum time for 95% drug release, and has higher bioadhesive capabilities. In vitro results of an optimized formulation indicate its sustained drug release and gastric retention capability, which may be very useful for effective treatment of H. pylori infection.

Effect of Added Pharmatose DCL11 on the Sustained-Release of Metronidazole From Methocel K4M and Carbopol 971P NF Floating Matrices

In vitro dissolution of metronidazole from sustained release floating tablets was studied with varied proportions of sodium bicarbonate (SB) and Pharmatose DCL 11. Two polymers with different hydration characteristics, Methocel K4M and Carbopol 971P NF, were used to formulate the matrices. The variables studied include the matrices' release profile, hydration volume, and floating behavior. All Methocel matrices floated more than 8 h with SB proportions up to 24%, while Carbopol matrices floated more than 8 h with SB proportions only up to 12%. Matrices' hydration increased with time until reaching a peak and declining thereafter. Methocel matrices showed greater hydration volumes and greater drug dissolution compared to Carbopol matrices. After adding increasing quantities of Pharmatose to matrices containing 12% SB, hydration volume decreased while dissolution increased. These results were attributed to water-filled pores that formed following the Pharmatose dissolution and to reduced polymer proportions. Carbopol matrices showed greater susceptibility to the added Pharmatose, becoming more erodible and releasing higher quantities of metronidazole. The greater Carbopol susceptibility to added Pharmatose was attributed to its faster hydration. Methocel matrices hydrate rapidly only at the surface, delaying hydration and Pharmatose dissolution.

Development of extended zero-order release gliclazide tablets by central composite design

The purpose of this study was to develop an extended release tablet formulation containing gliclazide as a model drug by optimization technique. A central composite design was employed with pH-dependent matrix forming polymers like keltone-HVCR (X1) and eudragit-EPO (X2) as independent variables. Five dependent variables were considered: hardness, percent drug release after 1 hr, percent drug release after 6 hr, diffusion exponent and time required for 50% of drug release. Response surface methodology and multiple response optimization utilizing a quadratic polynomial equation were used to obtain an optimal formulation. The results indicate that Factor X1 along its interaction with Factor X2 was found to be significantly affecting the studied response variables. An optimized formulation, containing 8 mg of keltone-HVCR and 14.10mg of eudragit-EPO, provides a sufficient hardness (> 4.5 kg/cm2) and optimal release properties. The desirability function was used to optimize the response variables, each having a different target and the observed responses were highly agreed with experimental values. The release kinetics of gliclazide from optimized formulation followed zero-order release pattern. The dissolution profiles of optimized formulation before and after stability studies were evaluated by using similarity factor (f2) and were found to be similar. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the model in the development of extended release dosage form.

Formulation and development of floating capsules of celecoxib: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The objective of the present study was to develop a hydrodynamically balanced system for celecoxib as single-unit floating capsules. Various grades of low-density polymers were used for formulation of these capsules. The capsules were prepared by physical blending of celecoxib and the polymer in varying ratios. The formulation was optimized on the basis of in vitro buoyancy and in vitro release in citrate phosphate buffer pH 3.0 (with 1% sodium lauryl sulfate). Capsules prepared with polyethylene oxide 60K and Eudragit RL100 gave the best in vitro percentage release and were used as the optimized formulation. By fitting the data into zero-order, first-order, and Higuchi models, we concluded that the release followed zero-order kinetics, as the correlation coefficient (R value) was higher for zero-order release. For gamma scintigraphy studies, celecoxib was radiolabeled with technetium-99m by the stannous reduction method. To achieve the maximum labeling efficiency the process was optimized by studying the reaction at various pH conditions and stannous concentration levels. The radiolabeled complex was added to the optimized capsule, and dissolution studies were performed to ensure that there was no leaching of radioactivity from the capsules. Gamma imaging was performed in rabbits to assess the buoyancy of the optimized formulation. The optimized formulation remained buoyant during 5 hours of gamma scintigraphic studies in rabbits.

Formulation and optimization of piroxicam proniosomes by 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of 3 independent variables in the preparation of piroxicam proniosomes by the slurry method. A 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design was used to derive a second-order polynomial equation and construct contour plots to predict responses. The independent variables selected were molar ratio of Span 60:cholesterol (X(1)), surfactant loading (X(2)), and amount of drug (X(3)). Fifteen batches were prepared by the slurry method and evaluated for percentage drug entrapment (PDE) and vesicle size. The transformed values of the independent variables and the PDE (dependent variable) were subjected to multiple regression to establish a full-model second-order polynomial equation. F was calculated to confirm the omission of insignificant terms from the full-model equation to derive a reduced-model polynomial equation to predict the PDE of proniosome-derived niosomes. Contour plots were constructed to show the effects of X(1), X(2) and X(3) on the PDE. A model was validated for accurate prediction of the PDE by performing checkpoint analysis. The computer optimization process and contour plots predicted the levels of independent variables X(1), X(2), and X(3) (0, -0.158 and -0.158 respectively), for maximized response of PDE with constraints on vesicle size. The Box-Behnken design demonstrated the role of the derived equation and contour plots in predicting the values of dependent variables for the preparation and optimization of piroxicam proniosomes.

Solid lipid extrusion of sustained release dosage forms

The applicability of the solid lipid extrusion process as preparations method for sustained release dosage forms was investigated in this study. Two lipids with similar melting ranges but of different composition, glyceryl palmitostearate (Precirol ATO 5) and glyceryl trimyristate (Dynasan 114), and mixtures of each lipid with 50% or 75% theophylline were extruded at temperatures below their melting ranges. Extrudates were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, porosity measurements and in vitro drug dissolution studies. The possibility of processing lipids by softening instead of complete melting and without subsequent formation of low-melting, metastable polymorphs could be demonstrated. Extrudates based on formulations of glyceryl palmitostearate/theophylline (50:50) and glyceryl trimyristate/theophylline (50:50) showed sustained release properties. An influence of extrusion conditions on the matrix structure was shown for extrudates based on a mixture of glyceryl trimyristate and theophylline (50:50). Glyceryl trimyristate tended to solidify in porous structures after melting. Exceeding a material temperature of 50.5 degrees C led to porous extrudate matrices with a faster drug release. The production of novel, non porous sustained release matrices was possible at a material temperature of 49.5 degrees C. Extrudates based on glyceryl trimyristate/theophylline (50:50) only slight changes in melting enthalpy and stable drug release profiles.

A review of near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics in pharmaceutical technologies

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast and non-destructive analytical method. Associated with chemometrics, it becomes a powerful tool for the pharmaceutical industry. Indeed, NIRS is suitable for analysis of solid, liquid and biotechnological pharmaceutical forms. Moreover, NIRS can be implemented during pharmaceutical development, in production for process monitoring or in quality control laboratories. This review focuses on chemometric techniques and pharmaceutical NIRS applications. The following topics are covered: qualitative analyses, quantitative methods and on-line applications. Theoretical and practical aspects are described with pharmaceutical examples of NIRS applications.

Formation of acylated growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 by poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and its biological activity

The purpose of this study was to investigate the formation of acylated impurity resulting from a chemical reaction between the growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and the effect of peptide acylation on the in vivo biological activity of GHRP-6. The peptide acylation pattern of GHRP-6 by hydrophilic PLGA polymers with different molecular weights was characterized by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Higher levels of acylated GHRP-6 were produced with the higher molecular weight PLGA, which might be due to the slower degradation rate of the polymer. The evaluation of the biological activity in rats showed that the acylated GHRP-6 had a much lower activity than the intact GHRP-6. This finding suggests that the acylation reaction would decrease the effectiveness of the GHRP-6 formulation such as PLGA microspheres. Therefore, a strategy for stabilizing the GHRP-6 will be necessary for the development of a successful formulation of PLGA microspheres.

Floating granules of ranitidine hydrochloride-gelucire 43/01: formulation optimization using factorial design

The purpose of this research was to develop and optimize a controlled-release multiunit floating system of a highly water soluble drug, ranitidine HCl, using Compritol, Gelucire 50/13, and Gelucire 43/01 as lipid carriers. Ranitidine HCl-lipid granules were prepared by the melt granulation technique and evaluated for in vitro floating and drug release. Ethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were evaluated as release rate modifiers. A 3(2) full factorial design was used for optimization by taking the amounts of Gelucire 43/01 (X (1)) and ethyl cellulose (X (2)) as independent variables, and the percentage drug released in 1(Q(1)), 5(Q(5)), and 10 (Q(10)) hours as dependent variables. The results revealed that the moderate amount of Gelucire 43/01 and ethyl cellulose provides desired release of ranitidine hydrochloride from a floating system. Batch F4 was considered optimum since it contained less Gelucire and was more similar to the theoretically predicted dissolution profile (f(2) = 62.43). The temperature sensitivity studies for the prepared formulations at 40 degrees C/75% relative humidity for 3 months showed no significant change in in vitro drug release pattern. These studies indicate that the hydrophobic lipid Gelucire 43/01 can be considered an effective carrier for design of a multiunit floating drug delivery system for highly water soluble drugs such as ranitidine HCl.

Floating drug delivery systems: a review

The purpose of writing this review on floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) was to compile the recent literature with special focus on the principal mechanism of floatation to achieve gastric retention. The recent developments of FDDS including the physiological and formulation variables affecting gastric retention, approaches to design single-unit and multiple-unit floating systems, and their classification and formulation aspects are covered in detail. This review also summarizes the in vitro techniques, in vivo studies to evaluate the performance and application of floating systems, and applications of these systems. These systems are useful to several problems encountered during the development of a pharmaceutical dosage form.

The effect of pH and organic ester penetration enhancers on skin permeation kinetics of terbutaline sulfate from pseudolatex-type transdermal delivery systems through mouse and human cadaver skins

The purpose of this research was to prepare a pseudolatex transdermal delivery system for terbutaline sulfate and to evaluate the effect of pH and organic ester penetration enhancers on permeation kinetics of terbutaline sulfate through mice abdominal skin and human cadaver skin. An increase in the permeation flux by increasing pH was observed. The distribution coefficient of terbutaline sulfate between 1-octanol and buffers of different pH values was also pH-dependent. Furthermore, the change of the permeability coefficient with pH correlated well with the distribution coefficient by a 2-degree polynomial equation. The permeation profile and related kinetic parameters of terbutaline sulfate was determined in presence of 3 ester-type permeation enhancers incorporated in the films, viz methyl laureate, isopropyl lanolate, and isopropyl myristate. Among the 3, the more pronounced enhancing effect was obtained with isopropyl myristate, regarding the permeation flux, permeability coefficient, and diffusion coefficient. This was attributed to solubility parameter of isopropyl myristate being closer to the solubility parameter of human skin, and such a pronounced enhancing effect was probably caused by its passage across the skin barrier through the lipid pathway.

Development of three layered buccal compact containing metoprolol tartrate by statistical optimization technique

The objective of this work to evaluate the effect of formulation variables on release properties and bioadhesive strength in development of three layered buccal compact containing highly water-soluble drug metoprolol tartrate (MT) by statistical optimization technique. Formulations were prepared based on rotatable central composite design with peripheral polymer ratio (carbopol 934P: HPMC 4KM) and core polymer ratio (HPMC 4KM: sodium alginate) as two independent formulation variables. The three layered buccal compact comprises a peripheral layer, core layer and backing layer. Four dependent (response) variables were considered: bioadhesion force, percentage MT release at 8 h, T50% (time taken to release 50% of drug) and release exponent (n). The release profile data was subjected to curve fitting analysis for describing the release mechanism of MT from three layered buccal compact. The main effects and interaction terms was quantitatively evaluated by quadratic model. The decrease in MT release was observed with an increase in both the formulation variables and as the carbopol: HPMC ratio increases the bioadhesive strength also increases. The desirability function was used to optimize the response variables, each having a different target and the observed responses were highly agreed with experimental values. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the model in the development of three layered buccal compact containing highly water-soluble drug MT.

Comparative in vitro and in vivo evaluation of matrix, osmotic matrix, and osmotic pump tablets for controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium

The aim of this investigation was preparation and comparative evaluation of fabricated matrix (FM), osmotic matrix (OM), and osmotic pump (OP) tablets for controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium (DS). All formulations were evaluated for various physical parameters, and in vitro studies were performed on USP 24 dissolution apparatus II in pH 7.4 buffer and distilled water. In vivo studies were performed in 6 healthy human volunteers; the drug was assayed in plasma using HPLC, and results were compared with the performance of 2 commercial tablets of DS. Various pharmacokinetic parameters (ie, C(max), T(max), area under the curve [AUC(0-24)], and mean residence time) and relative bioavailability were compared. All fabricated formulations showed more prolonged and controlled DS release compared with commercial tablets studied. The OM and OP tablets, however, performed better than the matrix tablets. The rate and extent of drug release from FM1 matrix tablets (single polymer) was significantly different from that of FM2 (admixed polymers). Type of porosigenic agents and osmogens also influenced the drug release. Analysis of in vitro data by regression coefficient analysis revealed zero-order release kinetics for OM and OP tablets, while FM tablets exhibited Higuchi kinetics. In vivo results indicated prolonged blood levels with delayed peak and improved bioavailability for fabricated tablets compared to commercial tablets. It was concluded that the osmotic matrix and osmotic pump tablets could provide more prolonged, controlled, and gastrointestinal environmental-independent DS release that may result in an improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.

Preparation and evaluation of diltiazem hydrochloride-Gelucire 43/01 floating granules prepared by melt granulation

The basic objective of this study was to explore the application of Gelucire 43/01 for the design of multi-unit floating systems of a highly water-soluble drug diltiazem HCl. Diltiazem HCl-Gelucire 43/01 granules were prepared by melt granulation technique. The granules were evaluated for in vitro and in vivo floating ability, surface topography, and in vitro drug release. Aging effect on storage was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, hot stage polarizing microscopy (HSPM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and in vitro drug release. Granules were retained in stomach at least for 6 hours. Approximately 65% to 80% drug was released over 6 hours with initial fast release from the surface. Surface topography, HSPM, DSC study of the aged samples showed phase transformation of Gelucire. The phase transformation also caused significant increase in drug release. In conclusion, hydrophobic lipid, Gelucire 43/01, can be considered as an effective carrier for design of a multi-unit floating drug delivery system of highly water-soluble drugs such as diltiazem HCl.

Response surface methodology for optimization and characterization of limonene-based coenzyme Q10 self-nanoemulsified capsule dosage form

The aim of this study was to systematically obtain a model of factors that would yield an optimized self-nanoemulsified capsule dosage form (SNCDF) of a highly lipophilic model compound, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ). Independent variables such as amount of R-(+)-limonene (X1), surfactant (X2), and cosurfactant (X3), were optimized using a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken statistical design. The dependent variables selected were cumulative percentage of drug released after 5 minutes (Y1) with constraints on drug release in 15 minutes (Y2), turbidity (Y3), particle size (Y4), and zeta potential (Y5). A mathematical relationship obtained, Y1 = 78.503 + 6.058X1 + 13.738X2 + 5.986X3 - 25.831X1(2) + 9.12X1X2 - 26.03 X1X3 - 38.67 X2(2) +11.02X2X3 - 15.55 X3(3) (r2 = 0.97), explained the main and quadratic effects, and the interaction of factors that affected the drug release. Response surface methodology (RSM) predicted the levels of factors X1, X2, and X3 (0.0344, 0.216, and 0.240, respectively), for a maximized response of Y1 with constraints of >90% release on Y2. The observed and predicted values of Y1 were in close agreement. In conclusion, the Box-Behnken experimental design allowed us to obtain SNCDF with rapid (>90%) drug release within 5 minutes with desirable properties of low turbidity and particle size.

Effect of HPMC and Carbopol on the release and floating properties of Gastric Floating Drug Delivery System using factorial design

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of formulation variables on drug release and floating properties of the delivery system. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) of different viscosity grades and Carbopol 934P (CP934) were used in formulating the Gastric Floating Drug Delivery System (GFDDS) employing 2 x 3 full factorial design. Main effects and interaction terms of the formulation variables could be evaluated quantitatively by a mathematical model. It was found that both HPMC viscosity, the presence of Carbopol and their interaction had significant impact on the release and floating properties of the delivery system. The decrease in the release rate was observed with an increase in the viscosity of the polymeric system. Polymer with lower viscosity (HPMC K100LV) was shown to be beneficial than higher viscosity polymer (K4M) in improving the floating properties of GFDDS. Incorporation of Carbopol, however, was found to compromise the floating capacity of GFDDS and release rate of calcium. The observed difference in the drug release and the floating properties of GFDDS could be attributed to the difference in the basic properties of three polymers (HPMC K4M, K100LV and CP934) due to their water uptake potential and functional group substitution.

Textural profiling and statistical optimization of crosslinked calcium-alginate-pectinate-cellulose acetophthalate gelisphere matrices

A 2(5) factorial design was employed to statistically evaluate the textural properties of a crosslinked calcium-alginate-pectinate-cellulose acetophthalate gelisphere system. In accordance with the factorial matrix, gelispheres were formulated by titrating a combination polymeric solution comprised of sodium alginate, pectin and/or cellulose acetophthalate into an inducer solution (crosslinking agent) consisting of calcium and/or acetate ions. A Texture Analyzer was used to profile the gelisphere matrices for their resilience in the unhydrated and hydrated states, the fracture energy involved in matrix rupture, and the matrix hardness achieved with different levels of crosslinking. Significantly different textural properties were found among the crosslinked formulations. In particular, the unhydrated matrix resilience was selected as a parameter for optimization of the gelisphere formulation because of its large impact on drug release modulation, matrix integrity, and sensitivity to the crosslinking process. Resilience increased with increasing polymer concentration, irrespective of the polymer combination. Furthermore, resilience was not significantly influenced by the concentration of the crosslinking agents, but rather by the application of a higher polymer concentration in the crosslinking reaction; again irrespective of the polymer combination. In addition to the use of a factorial design, artificial neural modeling was employed to predict the textural properties based on the factorial matrix as a statistically suitable data source. Neural networks appeared to be a strong competitor of factorial regression for the prediction of textural data.