Xanthan-alginate composite gel beads: molecular interaction and in vitro characterization

Xanthan gum (XG), a trisaccharide branched polymer, was applied to reinforce calcium alginate beads in this study. Composite beads consisting of XG and sodium alginate (SA) were prepared using ionotropic gelation method. Diclofenac calcium-alginate (DCA) beads incorporated with different amounts of XG were produced as well. Molecular interaction between SA and XG in the composite beads and the XG-DCA beads was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. Physical properties of the XG-DCA beads such as entrapment efficiency of diclofenac sodium (DS), thermal property, water uptake, swelling and DS release in various media were examined. XG could form intermolecular hydrogen bonding with SA in the composite beads with or without DS. Differential scanning calorimetric study indicated that XG did not affect thermal property of the DCA beads. The DS entrapment efficiency of the DCA beads increased with increasing amount of XG added. The XG-DCA beads showed higher water uptake and swelling in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer and distilled water than the DCA beads. A longer lag time and a higher DS release rate of the XG-DCA beads in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer were found. In contrast, the 0.3%XG-DCA beads could retard the drug release in distilled water because interaction between XG and SA gave higher tortuosity of the bead matrix. However, higher content of XG in the DCA beads increased the release rate of DS. This can be attributed to erosion of small aggregates of XG on the surface of the DCA beads. This finding suggested that XG could modulate physicochemical properties and drug release of the DCA beads, which based on the existence of molecular interaction between XG and SA.     

Characterization of microcrystalline cellulose loaded diclofenac calcium alginate gel beads in vitro

Diclofenac calcium alginate (DCA) beads containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared using ionotropic gelation method. The effect of MCC amounts on physicochemical characteristics of the DCA beads was examined. The particle size and entrapment efficiency of diclofenac sodium (DS) of the DCA beads increased with increasing amount of MCC. MCC could be involved in the calcium alginate formation to create a complex matrix in the DCA beads, which was revealed using FTIR spectroscopy. The MCC-DCA beads provided greater water uptake in distilled water, but retarded swelling rate in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. A longer lag time and a similar drug release rate of the MCC-DCA beads in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer were found. The MCC-DCA beads also gave higher drug release rates in distilled water when compared with the DCA beads. However, the increase of MCC content over 0.5% in the DCA beads did not affect the drug release in distilled water. In conclusion, MCC could improve drug entrapment efficiency and modify drug release from the DCA beads.     

Multifunctional drug delivery system using starch-alginate beads for controlled release

Utilizing starch-containing alginate beads, a novel drug delivery system (DDS) was developed. With the starch inside, the composite bead could be dried in its original bead shape and handled in the dried state. By employing alginate multi-coating strategy on the starch-alginate beads, detained or controlled release was efficiently achieved and successfully demonstrated for a model peptide drug, L-phenylalanine. The initial latent time and release rate of the drug inside the beads were able to be controlled simply by varying the number of multi-coatings. While the latent time for the initial release was negligible for non-coated starch-alginate beads, the latent times of beads coated one, two, and four times increased to 15, 30, and 70 min, respectively. Furthermore, the alginate component of the composite beads could adsorb and remove heavy metals such as lead from the body. These multifunctional beads combined with the novel coating process will greatly benefit alginate gel-based DDS.     

Modulation of drug release from glyceryl palmitostearate-alginate beads via heat treatment

Diclofenac calcium alginate (DCA) beads containing glyceryl palmitostearate (GPS) were prepared by ionotropic gelation method. The effect of GPS amount and heat treatment on characteristics of the DCA beads was investigated. Incorporation of GPS into the DCA beads increased particle size and entrapment efficiency of diclofenac sodium (DS), but decreased water uptake in distilled water, and DS release rate. The heat treatment caused the DCA beads to be irregular shape particles and to possess higher water uptake. A slower release rate of DS in distilled water was found because of interaction of DS and alginate polymer matrix, and a restriction of water sorption into the inside region of the beads, which caused by the shrinkage of the beads after heating. However, the heat treatment did not affect particle shape and water uptake in distilled water of the 3%GPS-DCA beads. Differential scanning calorimetric study showed that GPS in the DCA beads was resolidified to different polymorph after cooling. Furthermore, the micro-Raman spectra indicated the existence of DS in the GPS matrix particles in the beads due to the partition of DS into the melted GPS during heat treatment. This led to a decrease in release rate of DS in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer and a change in DS release pattern in distilled water. Thus, not only the calcium alginate matrix, but also the resolidified GPS matrix in the alginate beads controlled the DS release from the 3%GPS-DCA beads with heat treatment.     

Fabrication and Evaluation of Bi-layer Tablet Containing Conventional Paracetamol and Modified Release Diclofenac Sodium

The objectives of present investigation were to achieve immediate release of paracetamol and tailored release of diclofenac sodium from bi-layer tablets. A 2³ full factorial design was adopted using the amount of polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose and crospovidone as independent variables for fabricating paracetamol tablets. Diclofenac sodium tablets were prepared using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a matrixing agent. The results of analysis of variance showed that the friability of paracetamol was distinctly influenced by the formulation variables. The in vitro drug release behaviour of diclofenac tablets was compared with a marketed formulation. The optimized formulations of paracetamol and diclofenac sodium were used for manufacturing of bi-layer tablets. The bi-layer tablets showed immediate release of paracetamol and modified release of diclofenac.     

Comparison of the pharmaceutical properties of sustained-release gel beads prepared by alginate having different molecular size with commercial sustained-release tablet

Spherical alginate gel beads containing pindolol were prepared using three types of sodium alginate with different molecular size. The rate of gelation of sodium alginate in calcium chloride solution was in the range of 1.0 to 1.3 h-1 among the used three alginates, but the amount of water squeezed from the alginate gel beads during gelation increased from 5 to 40% with increasing molecular size of the alginate. The beads prepared were similar in diameter (1.2 mm after drying), weight (0.9 mg/bead), calcium content (27-29 micrograms/bead) and pindolol content (40-45%). Pindolol was rapidly released from all the alginate gel beads at pH 1.2 owing to the high solubility of pindolol, in spite of non-swelling of beads. On the other hand, pindolol release from alginate gel beads at pH 6.8 was dependent on the swelling of the beads and was significantly depressed compared to drug powder. Interestingly, the release rate of pindolol and the swelling rate of beads were markedly slow for gel beads prepared by low molecular size alginate. However, when the alginate gel beads were administered orally to beagle dogs, the serum levels of pindolol showed sustained-release profiles, depending on the molecular size of the alginate. The in vivo absorption of pindolol from alginate gel beads did not reflect their in vitro release profiles, because of a physical strength of beads in the intestinal tract. Furthermore, the in vivo and in vitro release of pindolol from alginate gel beads were compared with a commercial sustained-release tablet, Carvisken showed a rapid release of 50% of content in pH 1.2 fluid and residual 50% of pindolol were easily dissolved at pH 6.8. Although the release characteristics of pindolol from Carvisken and the alginate gel beads were completely different, the serum levels of pindolol in human volunteers were comparable.     

壳聚糖/酸活化凹凸棒黏土复合物对双氯芬酸钠的吸附及体外释放

目的研究壳聚糖/酸活化凹凸棒黏土(酸化凹土)复合物对双氯芬酸钠的吸附作用和体外释放性能。方法采用紫外分光度法讨论复合物中壳聚糖的体积、pH值、吸附时间对吸附率和累积释放度的影响。结果在吸附介质pH=7和吸附4 h条件下,复合物对双氯芬酸钠的吸附率和释放度可达到80%以上。结论壳聚糖/酸化凹土复合物对双氯芬酸钠具有较好的吸附和释放性能,体外释放符合Higuchi方程。     

Drug release from xyloglucan beads coated with Eudragit for oral drug delivery

Xyloglucan (XG), which exhibits thermal sol to gel transition, non-toxicity, and low gelation concentration, is of interest in the development of sustained release carriers for drug delivery. Drug-loaded XG beads were prepared by extruding dropwise a dispersion of indomethacin in aqueous XG solution (2 wt.-%) through a syringe into corn oil. Enteric coating of XG bead was performed using Eudragit L 100 to improve the stability of XG bead in gastrointestinal (GI) track and to achieve gastroresistant drug release. Release behavior of indomethacin from XG beads in vitro was investigated as a function of loading content of drug, pH of release medium, and concentration of coating agent. Adhesive force of XG was also measured using the tensile test. Uniform-sized spherical beads with particle diameters ranging from 692 +/- 30 to 819 +/- 50 microm were obtained. The effect of drug content on the release of indomethacin from XG beads depended on the medium pH. Release of indomethacin from XG beads was retarded by coating with Eudragit and increased rapidly with the change in medium pH from 1.2 to 7.4. Adhesive force of XG was stronger than that of Carbopol 943 P, a well-known commercial mucoadhesive polymer, in wet state. Results indicate the enteric-coated XG beads may be suitable as a carrier for oral drug delivery of irritant drug in the stomach.     

Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel diclofenac prodrugs

Diclofenac ester pro drugs (4, 5, 6) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their potential use for oral delivery, with the aim of obtaining enzymatically labile and less ulceration drugs than the parent drug diclofenac sodium (1a). Prodrugs 4, 5, 6 were found to be potent anti-inflammatory drugs with less ulcerogenic potential than the parent diclofenac sodium. Prodrugs 4, 5, 6 rapidly underwent enzymatic hydrolysis to release the parent drug diclofenac in 30-60 min in rat liver microsomes (RLM) and rat plasma (RP). Prodrugs were found to be more lipophilic when the partition coefficient was measured in 1-octanol and buffer system at pH 7.4 and 3.0. Diclofenac prodrugs 4, 5, 6 were found to be crystalline in nature (analyzed by PXRD). Prodrug 4 was found to be a superior candidate for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.     

Release characteristics of chitosan treated alginate beads: II. Sustained release of a low molecular drug from chitosan treated alginate beads

The aim of this paper was to investigate the possible applicability of chitosan treated alginate beads as a controlled release system of small molecular drugs with high solubility. Timolol maleate (mw 432.49) was used as a model drug. The beads were prepared by the ionotropic gelation method and the effect of various factors (alginate, chitosan, drug and calcium chloride concentrations, the volume of external and internal phases and drying methods) on bead properties were also investigated. Spherical beads with 0.78-1.16 mm diameter range and 10.8-66.5% encapsulation efficiencies were produced. Higher encapsulation efficiencies and retarded drug release were obtained with chitosan treated alginate beads. Among the different factors investigated such as alginate, drug, chitosan and CaCl2 concentrations, the volumes of the external and internal phases affected bead properties. The drying technique has an importance on the bead properties also. The release data was kinetically evaluated. It appeared that chitosan treated alginate beads may be used for a potential controlled release system of small molecular drugs with high solubility, instead of alginate beads.     

Montmorillonite–alginate nanocomposite as a drug delivery system – incorporation and in vitro release of irinotecan

The scope of the present study was the preparation and characterization of irinotecan nanocomposite beads based on montmorillonite (Mt) and sodium alginate (AL) as drug carriers. After irinotecan (I) incorporation into Mt, the resulting hybrid was compounded with alginate, and I-Mt-AL nanocomposite beads were obtained by ionotropic gelation technique. The structure and surface morphology of the hybrid and composite materials were established by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Irinotecan incorporation efficiency in Mt and in alginate beads was determined both by UV–vis spectroscopy and thermal analysis and was found to be high. The hybrid and composite materials were tested in vitro in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4, at 37 °C) in order to establish if upon administering the beads at the site of a resected colorectal tumor, the delivery of the drug is sustained and can represent an alternative to the existing systemic chemotherapy. The in vitro drug release test results clearly suggested that Mt, and Mt along with AL were able to control the release of irinotecan by making it sustained, without any burst effect, and by reducing the released amount and the release rate. The nanocomposite beads may be a promising drug delivery system in chemotherapy.     

Release characteristics of chitosan treated alginate beads: II. Sustained release of a low molecular drug from chitosan treated alginate beads

The aim of this paper was to investigate the possible applicability of chitosan treated alginate beads as a controlled release system of small molecular drugs with high solubility. Timolol maleate (mw 432.49) was used as a model drug. The beads were prepared by the ionotropic gelation method and the effect of various factors (alginate, chitosan, drug and calcium chloride concentrations, the volume of external and internal phases and drying methods) on bead properties were also investigated. Spherical beads with 0.78-1.16mm diameter range and 10.8-66.5% encapsulation efficiencies were produced. Higher encapsulation efficiencies and retarded drug release were obtained with chitosan treated alginatebeads. Amongthedifferentfactors investigatedsuchas alginate, drug, chitosan and CaCl₂ concentrations, the volumes of the external and internal phases affected bead properties. The drying technique has an importance on the bead properties also. The release data was kinetically evaluated. It appeared that chitosan treated alginate beads may be used for a potential controlled release system of small molecular drugs with high solubility, instead of alginate beads.     

不同厂家双氯芬酸钠缓释胶囊体外释放度考察及Weibull分析

目的通过对4个不同厂家的双氯芬酸钠缓释胶囊进行体外释放度考察,为临床合理用药提供参考。方法采用2010年版中国药典二部附录溶出度第一法装置,以4种不同的溶出介质测定各样品不同时间的溶出量,以Weibull方程拟合最佳溶出介质的溶出参数,并进行数据分析。结果 pH=6.8的磷酸盐缓冲液作为体外释放环境较为理想,且根据t50、td等溶出参数显示,4个厂家双氯芬酸钠缓释胶囊除D厂样品溶出迟缓外,其他厂家均符合标准。结论该药的释放受pH值的影响较大,且不同厂家双氯芬酸钠缓释胶囊释放度有一定差异,在临床用药过程中,可作为参考依据。     

双氯芬酸二乙胺乳胶剂的含量测定

目的建立测定双氯芬酸二乙胺乳胶剂含量的高效液相色谱法。方法以甲醇-4％冰醋酸（70：30）为流动相,色谱柱为CNW C18柱（150mm×4．6mm,5μm）,检测波长为276nm。结果双氯芬酸钠质量浓度在51．600～1290．0μg／mL范围内与峰面积呈良好线性关系,双氯芬酸钠的平均回收率为98．53％,RSD为0．71％。结论该方法简单、灵敏度高,可用于双氯芬酸二乙胺乳胶剂的含量测定。     

Extruded and Spheronized Beads Containing No Microcrystalline Cellulose: Influence of Formulation and Process Variables

The purposes of this study were to investigate the use of chitosan in the manufacture of beads by extrusion‐spheronization without inclusion of microcrystalline cellulose, and to study the effect of formulation and process variables on the characteristics of the beads. Beads containing chitosan, fine particle ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and caffeine as the model drug were manufactured. Bead size, yield, shape, friability, density, porosity, and release studies were determined. Spherical beads with good mechanical properties could be manufactured without microcrystalline cellulose. Release studies showed that there was immediate release of drug from the beads. A five factor, half fraction screening design was employed to study the effect of formulation variables and process variables on the properties of the beads. Statistical analysis indicated that formulation variables such as the chitosan content, HPMC content, and water content, and process variables such as the spheronizer speed and extruder speed significantly affected the physical properties of the beads. The bead size decreased with an increase in chitosan content. Significant two‐factor interactions exist between the variables for several of the measured responses. Beads with high percentage yield and high sphericity can be obtained at high chitosan content, and low HPMC content, water content, spheronizer speed, and extruder speed. Less friable beads can be obtained at high levels of studied formulation variables and low levels of studied process variables. Beads of high density and low porosity can be manufactured at high levels of the studied formulation and process variables. Regression equations were generated using Statgraphics Plus software that can be used to develop formulations with desired bead properties. Chitosan was useful to provide beads of acceptable physical properties using water as a granulating fluid in the extrusion‐spheronization process.     

Extruded and spheronized beads containing no microcrystalline cellulose: influence of formulation and process variables

The purposes of this study were to investigate the use of chitosan in the manufacture of beads by extrusion-spheronization without inclusion of microcrystalline cellulose, and to study the effect of formulation and process variables on the characteristics of the beads. Beads containing chitosan, fine particle ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and caffeine as the model drug were manufactured. Bead size, yield, shape, friability, density, porosity, and release studies were determined. Spherical beads with good mechanical properties could be manufactured without microcrystalline cellulose. Release studies showed that there was immediate release of drug from the beads. A five factor, half fraction screening design was employed to study the effect of formulation variables and process variables on the properties of the beads. Statistical analysis indicated that formulation variables such as the chitosan content, HPMC content, and water content, and process variables such as the spheronizer speed and extruder speed significantly affected the physical properties of the beads. The bead size decreased with an increase in chitosan content. Significant two-factor interactions exist between the variables for several of the measured responses. Beads with high percentage yield and high sphericity can be obtained at high chitosan content, and low HPMC content, water content, spheronizer speed, and extruder speed. Less friable beads can be obtained at high levels of studied formulation variables and low levels of studied process variables. Beads of high density and low porosity can be manufactured at high levels of the studied formulation and process variables. Regression equations were generated using Statgraphics Plus software that can be used to develop formulations with desired bead properties. Chitosan was useful to provide beads of acceptable physical properties using water as a granulating fluid in the extrusion-spheronization process.     

Release characteristics of diclofenac sodium from poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate and poly(vinyl alcohol)-grafted-poly(acrylamide)/sodium alginate blend beads.

In this study, acrylamide (AAm) was grafted onto poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with UV radiation at ambient temperature. The graft copolymer (PVA-g-PAAm) was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Polymeric blend beads of PVA-g-PAAm and PVA with sodium alginate (NaAlg) were prepared by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) and used to deliver a model anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium (DS). Preparation condition of the beads was optimized by considering the percentage entrapment efficiency, particle size, swelling capacity of beads and their release data. Effects of variables such as PVA/NaAlg ratio, acrylamide content, exposure time to GA and drug/polymer ratio on the release of DS were discussed at three different pH values (1.2, 6.8, 7.4). It was observed that, DS release from the beads decreased with increasing PVA/NaAlg (m/m) ratio, drug/polymer ratio (d/p) and extent of cross-linking. However, DS release increased with increasing acrylamide content of the PVA-g-PAAm polymer. The highest DS release was obtained to be 92% for 1/1 PVA-g-PAAm/NaAlg ratio beads. It was also observed from release results that DS release from the beads through the external medium is much higher at high pH (6.8 and 7.4) than that at low pH (1.2). The drug release from the beads mostly followed Case II transport.     

Formulation and process considerations for beads containing Carbopol 974P, NF resin made by extrusion-spheronization

Preliminary studies revealed that Carbopol 974P, NF resin could be incorporated into beads manufactured by extrusion and spheronization, and can slow the release of a highly water soluble drug if calcium chloride was included in the granulating fluid to reduce the tack of the wetted polymer. In this study, the same approach was used to produce high quality chlorpheniramine maleate beads with a prolonged release duration. Because of the complex nature of the extrusion and spheronization process and the various components in the bead formulations, a statistically sound factorial experiment was considered for this study. A one-half fraction of a two level factorial design with three center points was employed to estimate the effects of simultaneously modifying multiple process and formulation variables, including the Carbopol concentration, calcium chloride concentration, water content, and the spheronization speed and time. Product yield, average bead roundness, and the drug release profile were selected as responses. Increasing the Carbopol content across the experimental range resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the percentage drug released at 25, 40, and 60 min. Results suggest that combining the conditions of high Carbopol, high water, and low calcium chloride levels with low spheronization speeds at long spheronization times produce the highest quality bead with the longest drug release duration.     

Diclofenac sodium

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage of diclofenac sodium are reviewed. Diclofenac, the first nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) to be approved that is a phenylacetic acid derivative, competes with arachidonic acid for binding to cyclo-oxygenase, resulting in decreased formation of prostaglandins. The drug has both analgesic and antipyretic activities. Diclofenac is efficiently absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; peak plasma concentrations occur 1.5 to 2.0 hours after ingestion in fasting subjects. Even though diclofenac has a relatively short elimination half-life in plasma (1.5 hours), it persists in synovial fluid. The drug is metabolized in the liver and is eliminated by urinary and biliary excretion. In clinical trials, diclofenac was as effective as aspirin, diflunisal, indomethacin, sulindac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen in improving function and reducing pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. For treatment of osteoarthritis, diclofenac was equivalent in efficacy to aspirin, diflunisal, indomethacin, sulindac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, flurbiprofen, mefenamic acid, and piroxicam. Diclofenac was as effective as indomethacin or sulindac in treating ankylosing spondylitis. The most frequent adverse effects reported for diclofenac were gastrointestinal, but these effects were fewer and less serious than occurred with aspirin or indomethacin; in addition, diclofenac caused fewer central nervous system reactions than indomethacin. Diclofenac is administered in divided doses with meals. The recommended total daily dosage is 100 to 150 mg (osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) or 150 to 200 mg (rheumatoid arthritis). Diclofenac is effective, but no more so than other NSAIDs. It is structurally distinct and offers another choice in the treatment of rheumatological conditions.     

Review of diclofenac and evaluation of its place in therapy as a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been used in 120 countries since its introduction in Japan in 1974. It is currently the eighth largest-selling drug and the most frequently used NSAID in the world. Diclofenac, a phenylacetic acid derivative, is a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase enzyme activity, and may also interact with the lipoxygenase enzyme pathway, and with the release and reuptake of arachidonic acid. Diclofenac is almost completely absorbed, highly protein-bound, penetrates well into synovial fluid, and is extensively metabolized. Comparative studies have shown that diclofenac is at least equivalent in efficacy to aspirin and other NSAID when used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Diclofenac also possesses potent analgesic properties. Clinical trials suggest that diclofenac has a favorable side-effect profile, excellent patient tolerability, and a lower patient dropout rate when compared with aspirin and other NSAID.