Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Controlled-Release Matrices of Losartan Potassium Using Ethocel Grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF as Rate-Controlling Polymers

Unveiling Swelling and Erosion Dynamics: Early Development Screening of Mirabegron Extended Release Tablets

Although the development of extended release (ER) matrices has been extensively investigated, understanding the most appropriate mechanism of drug release to achieve the desired release remains a cost- and time-consuming challenge in the early stages of formulation development. This study aimed to investigate the early stage of developing ER hydrophilic matrix tablets containing mirabegron as a model drug, focusing on the effects of polymer type, diluent type, and polymer amount on critical quality attributes (CQAs), namely, tablet swelling and erosion behavior. A full factorial design was employed to explore the interactions of control factors through multivariate regression analysis, emphasizing the application of quality by design (QbD) principles. The swelling and erosion performances of 72 formulations were evaluated. The swelling data were fitted to the Vergnaud model. Finally, in vitro drug release profiles were investigated for four of the formulations studied. The polymer type, diluent type, and polymer amount had distinct effects on the swelling and erosion behavior of the ER matrix tablets. Compared with those with isomalt (G720) or dextrate (DXT), formulations with polyethylene glycol 8000 (P8000) consistently exhibited greater swelling. Additionally, higher molecular weight was correlated with increased swelling within the same polymer type. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based formulations showed higher swelling rates, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-80) displayed the highest erosion percentage. The findings highlight the significance of incorporating early-stage screening designs to maximize efficiency and optimize time and resource. This approach enables the development of a comprehensive understanding of drug release mechanisms from ER matrix tablets.

Formulation and Preparation of Losartan-Potassium-Loaded Controlled-Release Matrices Using Ethocel Grade 10 to Establish a Correlation between In Vitro and In Vivo Results

In the current study, matrices of losartan potassium were formulated with two different polymers (Ethocel 10 premium and Ethocel 10FP premium), along with a filler and a lubricant, at different drug-to-polymer w/w ratios (10:3, 10:4, and 10:5). The matrices were tested by the direct compression method, and their hardness, diameter, thickness, friability, weight variation, content uniformity, and in vitro dissolution tests were assessed to determine 24-h drug release rates. The matrices with Ethocel 10 FP at a 10:4 ratio exhibited pseudo-zero-order kinetics (n-value of 0.986), while the dissolution data of the test matrices and reference tablets did not match. The new test-optimized matrices were also tested in rabbits, and their pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated: half-life (11.78 ± 0.018 h), Tmax (2.105 ± 1.131 h), Cmax (205.98 ± 0.321 μg/mL), AUCo (5931.10 ± 1.232 μg·h/mL), AUCo-inf (7348.46 ± 0.234 μg·h/mL), MRTo-48h (17.34 ± 0.184 h), and Cl (0.002 ± 0.134 mL/min). A correlation value of 0.985 between the in vitro and in vivo results observed for the test-optimized matrices was observed, indicating a level-A correlation between the percentage of the drug released in vitro and the percentage of the drug absorbed in vivo. The matrices might improve patient compliance with once-a-day dosing and therapeutic outcomes.

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Levofloxacin-Loaded Floating Tables Using Various Rate-Controlling Agents

Floating tablets are a new approach to extending the time a drug is in the stomach to improve therapy outcomes. Floating tablets were formulated with the drug, the polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and starch, fillers, and lubricants. The tablets were prepared using the direction compression method. The tablets' physical quality control tests were found to be within acceptable limits. The tablets extended drug release up to 12 h and were uniform in their drug contents. The swelling index of the tablets ranged from 60 ± 0.11 to 66 ± 0.14%, and the tablets were less dense than water. The floating lag time (10 ± 0.23 to 16 ± 0.09 s) and total floating time (>12 h) showed good floating behaviors. The kinetic modeling showed that the drug was released from the tablets by pseudo-diffusion, swelling, erosion, or anomalous non-Fickian diffusion. F6 (starch and CMC) showed higher n values (0.994 ± 0.04), exhibiting pseudo-zero-order drug release kinetics compared to those of other tablets. The dissolution data of the test and reference tables were not similar (P > 0.05). In terms of antimicrobial activity, the zones of inhibition of the test F6 tablet powders (5.3 ± 0.08 mm) and the reference tablet powders (5.9 ± 0.13 mm) were found to be significantly similar (P > 0.05). The study concluded that these floating tablets can improve the gastric residence time and therapeutic outcomes.

Mimosa pudica mucilage nanoparticles of losartan potassium: Characterization and pharmacodynamics evaluation

The current research was to develop nanoparticles based on Mimosa pudica mucilage (MPM) that could encapsulate losartan potassium (LP). Nanoparticles (NPs) produced through ionic-gelation method; the polymerization of the mucilage carried out using calcium chloride as cross-linking agent. The MPMLP-NPs demonstrated vastly enhanced pharmaceutical characteristics, presented discrete surface with spherical shape of 198.4-264.6 nm with PDI ranging 0.326-0.461 and entrapment efficiency was in the range of 80.65 ± 0.82-90.79 ± 0.96%. FTIR and DSC indicated the stability of drug during the formulation of nanoparticles. An acute oral toxicity investigation found no significant alterations in behavior and histopathology criteria. The MPMLP-NPs formulation revealed the better rates and sustained effect as assessed with the commercial product. Moreover, low dose of MPMLP-NPs showed similar anti-hypertensive effect as assessed with the marketed tablet.

Synthesis of Starch-Grafted Polymethyl Methacrylate via Free Radical Polymerization Reaction and Its Application for the Uptake of Methylene Blue

In this research, a new biodegradable and eco-friendly adsorbent, starch-grafted polymethyl methacrylate (St-g-PMMA) was synthesized. The St-g-PMMA was synthesized by a free radical polymerization reaction in which methyl methacrylate (MMA) was grafted onto a starch polymer chain. The reaction was performed in water in the presence of a potassium persulfate (KPS) initiator. The structure and different properties of the St-g-PMMA was explored by FT-IR, 1H NMR, TGA, SEM and XRD. After characterization, the St-g-PMMA was used for the removal of MB dye. Different adsorption parameters, such as effect of adsorbent dose, effect of pH, effect of initial concentration of dye solution, effect of contact time and comparative adsorption study were investigated. The St-g-PMMA showed a maximum removal percentage (R%) of 97% towards MB. The other parameters, such as the isothermal and kinetic models, were fitted to the experimental data. The results showed that the Langmuir adsorption and pseudo second order kinetic models were best fitted to experimental data with a regression coefficient of R² = 0.93 and 0.99, respectively.