Development of polysaccharide gel coated pellets for oral administration 1. Physico-mechanical properties

Spherical pellets containing theophylline, calcium acetate and microcrystalline cellulose were extruded and spheronized, before being coated with six different pectins or alginates by interfacial complexation. The aim of this study was to discover the effect of the coatings on physico-mechanical properties that will be crucial in determining the pellets' utility as sustained release systems. An insoluble, smooth and uniformly thick coat of calcium polysaccharide was formed around the core pellets. A factorial experiment was designed to investigate the effect of pellet size and polysaccharide type and concentration on the entrapment efficiency, mechanical properties and other physical characteristics. Coated pellets were observed by scanning electron microscopy and, depending on the particular polysaccharide used, the dry coats were found to be 30-80 microm thick. The size of pellet, the type and concentration of polysaccharide influenced the yield of theophylline in the coated pellets. Although the mechanical properties of the pellets were improved by applying any of the gel coats, use of an alginate with a high content of guluronic acid or an amidated pectin coating gave the best results. This is probably because both of these have significant potential to form very stable cross-links within the gel coats.     

Design of in situ dispersible and calcium cross-linked alginate pellets as intestinal-specific drug carrier by melt pelletization technique

Conventional alginate pellets underwent rapid drug dissolution and loss of multiparticulate characteristics such as aggregation in acidic medium, thereby promoting oral dose dumping. This study aimed to design sustained-release dispersible alginate pellets through rapid in situ matrix dispersion and cross-linking by calcium salts during dissolution. Pellets made of alginate and calcium salts were prepared using a solvent-free melt pelletization technique that prevented reaction between processing materials during agglomeration and allowed such a reaction to occur only in dissolution phase. Drug release was remarkably retarded in acidic medium when pellets were formulated with water-soluble calcium acetate instead of acid-soluble calcium carbonate. Different from calcium salt-free and calcium carbonate-loaded matrices that aggregated or underwent gradual erosion, rapid in situ solvation of calcium acetate in pellets during dissolution resulted in burst of gas bubbles, fast pellet breakup, and dispersion. The dispersed fragments, though exhibiting a larger specific surface area for drug dissolution than intact matrix, were rapidly cross-linked by Ca(2+) from calcium acetate and had drug release retarded till a change in medium pH from 1.2 to 6.8. Being dispersible and pH-dependent in drug dissolution, these pellets are useful as multiparticulate intestinal-specific drug carrier without exhibiting dose dumping tendency of a "single-unit-like" system via pellet aggregation.     

Swelling and diffusion studies of calcium polysaccharide gels intended for film coating

The aim of this paper was to study the swelling and diffusion behaviors of calcium polysaccharide gel (CaPG) films prepared by an interfacial complexation technique, a new gel formation method that allowed calcium ions to diffuse from a source to form gel films with polysaccharide (i.e., alginate or pectin). The dynamic swelling behavior of CaPG films showed that swelling was a function of time. Most CaPG films showed a maximum amount of water absorption during the first few hours. The films swelled less in water and acidic media but extensively swelled in 0.1M NaCl. The rehydration of the dry films in the acidic media or the 0.1M NaCl solution also lead to the extraction of most of the calcium ions from the CaPG within 4h or less. Partitioning and diffusion of a model drug, theophylline (TPL), were measured through CaPG films equilibrated in different media. The partition and diffusion coefficients of TPL through CaPG films were found to vary, depending upon polysaccharide type, concentration and equilibration medium. The results suggest that both partition and pore mechanisms operated concurrently in the transport of TPL through CaPG films equilibrated in different media.     

Modulating drug release and matrix erosion of alginate matrix capsules by microenvironmental interaction with calcium ion.

Effect of calcium gluconate (CG) content on release of dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DMP), model drug, from capsules containing low and medium viscosity grades of sodium alginate (SA) was investigated in different dissolution media. Matrix erosion of the SA matrix capsules in distilled water and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer was compared. Molecular interaction of SA with calcium ion in surface gel layer of the SA matrix capsules was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. In distilled water and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, DMP release rate depended on the viscosity grade of SA, whereas a comparable DMP release rate was found in 0.1N HCl. Incorporation of CG into the SA matrix capsules caused a faster drug release in acidic medium because CG acted as a channeling agent in the hydrated insoluble gel matrix of alginic acid. Interaction of calcium ions with carboxyl groups of SA could be formed in surface gel layer of hydrated matrix capsules in distilled water. This led to a more rigid matrix gel structure that caused a slower drug release and matrix erosion. In contrast, the extent of this interaction in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer was less than that in distilled water because the common ion effect and high concentration of sodium ion retarded the hydration of SA and the binding of calcium ions with carboxyl groups of SA. Thus, a small change in drug release and matrix erosion was observed. This finding suggests that microenvironmental interaction between hydrated SA and calcium ion in distilled water could be created in the formulations prepared using low compression force. Moreover, incorporation of CG could moderate drug release and matrix erosion of the SA matrix capsules.     

Alginate-based pellets prepared by extrusion/spheronization: a preliminary study on the effect of additive in granulating liquid.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of producing alginate-based pellets by extrusion/spheronization and also to improve the formation of spherical alginate-based pellets by investigating the effect of additive in granulating liquid on characteristics and drug release from resulting pellets. Two types of sodium alginate (30%) were evaluated in combination with theophylline (20%), microcrystalline cellulose (50%) and different granulation liquids. The pellets were then prepared in a basket extruder, then spheronized and dried. The final products were characterized by morphological examination and drug release study. Different additives in the granulating liquid influenced the ability of the extruded mass to form pellets (the processability) with this technique. However, different sodium alginate types responded to shape modifications to a different extent. Long, dumbbell-shaped pellets were obtained with viscous granulating liquids. However, short, nearly spherical pellets were obtained with watery granulation liquid with calcium chloride that reduced the swelling ability of sodium alginate. Improvements in the pellet characteristics were also dependent on the sodium alginate type employed. Most of pellet formulations released about 75-85% drug within 60min and showed a good fit into both Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas equations. Higher amount of 3% calcium chloride, as a granulating liquid, in the formulation showed higher mean dissolution time resulting from the cross-linking properties of calcium ions to the negative charges of alginate molecules.     

Swelling, erosion and release behavior of alginate-based matrix tablets.

Hydrophilic matrix tablets based on the alginate system have been used in relation to their possible function in modified drug delivery formulations using metronidazole as a model drug. The matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression using different grades of alginate. The effect of some factors (i.e. particle size of drug, additive used, and pH of medium) on drug release from alginate-based matrix tablets was also investigated. Swelling, erosion, and in vitro release studies of the matrix tablets were carried out in 0.1N HCl or phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). The alginate-based matrix tablets swelled or eroded while in contact with the aqueous medium and formed a continuous gel layer or underwent combination of swelling and erosion. The swelling action of alginate matrices is controlled by the rate of its hydration in the medium. Different grades of alginate insignificantly influenced the matrix swelling in acidic medium but significantly influenced in neutral medium. The presence of ammonium or calcium salts induced tablet disintegration in acidic medium. However, incorporation of calcium acetate and sodium bicarbonate can alter the tablet swelling in acidic medium. Release studies showed that all investigated factors influence the drug release. The extent of matrix swelling, erosion, and diffusion of drug determined the kinetics as well as mechanism of drug release from alginate-based matrix tablets. Most of the release data in acidic medium showed a good fit into Korsmeyer-Peppas equation but fitted well with zero-order release model, in neutral medium.     

Alginate-based pellets prepared by extrusion/spheronization: Effect of the amount and type of sodium alginate and calcium salts

Pellets containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a model drug (theophylline) and a range of levels of sodium alginate (i.e., 10–50% w/w) were prepared by extrusion/spheronization. Two types of sodium alginate were evaluated with and without the addition of either calcium acetate or calcium carbonate (0, 0.3, 3 and 10% w/w). The effects of amount and type of sodium alginate and calcium salts on pellet properties, e.g., size, shape, morphology and drug release behavior, were investigated. Most pellet formulations resulted in pellets of a sufficient quality with respect to size, size distribution and shape. The results showed that the amounts of sodium alginate and calcium salts influenced the size and shape of the obtained pellets. However, different types of sodium alginate and calcium salt responded to modifications to a different extent. A cavity was observed in the pellet structure, as seen in the scanning electron micrographs, resulting from the forces involved in the spheronization process. Most of pellet formulations released about 75–85% drug within 60 min. Incorporation of calcium salts in the pellet formulations altered the drug release, depending on the solubility of the calcium salts used. The drug release data showed a good fit into both Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas equations.     

Development of a novel osmotically driven drug delivery system for weakly basic drugs

The drug substance SAG/ZK has a short biological half-life and because of its weakly basic nature a strong pH-dependent solubility was observed. The aim of this study was to develop a controlled release (cr) multiple unit pellet formulation for SAG/ZK with pH-independent drug release. Pellets with a drug load of 60% were prepared by extrusion/spheronization followed by cr-film coating with an extended release polyvinyl acetate/polyvinyl pyrrolidone dispersion (Kollidon SR 30 D). To overcome the problem of pH-dependent drug release the pellets were then coated with a second layer of an enteric methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer (Kollicoat MAE 30 DP). To increase the drug release rates from the double layered cr-pellets different osmotically active ionic (sodium and potassium chloride) and nonionic (sucrose) additives were incorporated into the pellet core. Drug release studies were performed in media of different osmotic pressure to clarify the main release mechanism. Extended release coated pellets of SAG/ZK demonstrated pH-dependent drug release. Applying a second enteric coat on top of the extended release film coat failed in order to achieve pH-independent drug release. Already low enteric polymer levels on top of the extended release coated pellets decreased drug release rates at pH 1 drastically, thus resulting in a reversal of the pH-dependency (faster release at pH 6.8 than in 0.1N HCl). The addition of osmotically active ingredients (sodium and potassium chloride, and sucrose) increased the imbibing of aqueous fluids into the pellet cores thus providing a saturated drug solution inside the beads and increasing drug concentration gradients. In addition, for these pellets increased formation of pores and cracks in the polymer coating was observed. Hence drug release rates from double layered beads increased significantly. Therefore, pH-independent osmotically driven SAG/ZK release was achieved from pellets containing osmotically active ingredients and coated with an extended and enteric polymer. In contrast, with increasing osmotic pressure of the dissolution medium the in vitro drug release rates decreased significantly.     

Jet milling--a new technique for microparticle preparation

The effect of an aqueous amylopectin subcoating on the acidic resistance and dissolution behaviour of enteric-coated pellets was studied. Freely water-soluble riboflavin sodium phosphate (RSP) was used as a model drug, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and lactose as fillers in the pellet cores. The pellets were subcoated with 5% aqueous amylopectin solution or with 5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) solution, and subsequently film-coated with aqueous dispersion of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP). Drug release of enteric-coated pellets was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Dissolution tests showed that amylopectin subcoating improved the acidic resistance of the enteric-coated pellets in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) compared with HPMC subcoating. As the amylopectin subcoating load was increased to 4% and the aqueous CAP coating load to 35%, the coated pellets resisted in 0.1 N HCl solution for approximately 1 h (the amount of drug released was below 10%), and they dissolved in the SIF without enzymes in less than 10 min. Confocal microscopy images and profiles of mean fluorescence intensities of RSP (obtained in the range of the interface of the pellet core and the film and the film coating surface) showed consistent results with dissolution tests. It seems that amylopectin subcoating can prevent the influx of the dissolution medium into the pellet core, and thus decrease the premature dissolution and release of the drug from the enteric-coated pellets in 0.1 N HCl solution. The drug release mechanism appeared to be osmotically driven release, and followed by diffusion through the polymer film.     

Development and evaluation of polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads for sustained release of diltiazem

The objective of this investigation is to develop a multi-unit sustained release dosage form of a water soluble drug from a completely aqueous environment avoiding the use of any organic solvent. The drug was complexed with resin and calcium alginate or polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads loaded with the resinate were prepared by a ionic/polyelectrolyte complexation method. The effect of different formulation variables on the characteristics of the beads was investigated. Although the drug release from spherical and smooth-surfaced calcium alginate beads in both acidic and alkaline dissolution media were slower than those obtained from plain resinate, none of the variables were found to prolong the drug release considerably due to rapid swelling and disintegration of calcium alginate beads in alkaline medium. On the other hand, drug release from polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads in acidic medium did not increase appreciably following a burst release. However, in alkaline medium, the drug release was found to increase gradually and extend over a different period of time depending on the intensity of polyethyleneimine treatment. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the formation of a dense membrane around the resinate-loaded calcium alginate matrix. The membrane appeared to be responsible for reduced swelling and protracted disintegration of the beads resulting in slow release of the drug. The results indicate that sustained release of a water soluble drug from polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads could be achieved by adjusting the formulation variables.     

Development and evaluation of polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads for sustained release of diltiazem

The objective of this investigation is to develop a multi-unit sustained release dosage form of a water soluble drug from a completely aqueous environment avoiding the use of any organic solvent. The drug was complexed with resin and calcium alginate or polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads loaded with the resinate were prepared by a ionic/polyelectrolyte complexation method. The effect of different formulation variables on the characteristics of the beads was investigated. Although the drug release from spherical and smooth-surfaced calcium alginate beads in both acidic and alkaline dissolution media were slower than those obtained from plain resinate, none of the variables were found to prolong the drug release considerably due to rapid swelling and disintegration of calcium alginate beads in alkaline medium. On the other hand, drug release from polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads in acidic medium did not increase appreciably following a burst release. However, in alkaline medium, the drug release was found to increase gradually and extend over a different period of time depending on the intensity of polyethyleneimine treatment. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the formation of a dense membrane around the resinate-loaded calcium alginate matrix. The membrane appeared to be responsible for reduced swelling and protracted disintegration of the beads resulting in slow release of the drug. The results indicate that sustained release of a water soluble drug from polyethyleneimine-treated calcium alginate beads could be achieved by adjusting the formulation variables.     

Effect of drug solubility on release behavior of calcium polysaccharide gel-coated pellets.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of drug solubility on the release behavior from calcium polysaccharide gel (CaPG)-coated pellets. Three different drugs with similar chemical structure, but different water solubility, namely caffeine (CAF), theophylline (TPL) and theobromine (TBR), were used. Drug-loaded spherical pellets were manufactured by an extrusion-spheronization method. The CaPG was applied on the pellets loaded with different drugs by interfacial complexation coating. The encapsulation efficiency of coated pellets was found to vary from 57.6 to 84.3%, depending on the solubility of the active drug and polysaccharide type. Drug release from different uncoated pellets was relatively unaffected by pH and release media but depended mainly on drug solubility. Release behavior was significantly modified in the pellets coated with CaPG, for all of the drugs tested. Drug release from coated pellets of the different drugs showed different release kinetics. The difference in the drug release is probably due to the difference in the drug dissolution within the core, before its partition and diffusion through the CaPG coat. The CAF dissolved faster and achieved a higher concentration in solution, which drove diffusion. The release of TBR from the coated pellets was much slower than that of the CAF or TPL because of its low solubility. However, the release of all drugs was about four- to sixfold slower for coated than uncoated pellets, suggesting that the coating influenced the retardation of drug release from the coated pellets. Therefore, the CaPG coating may provide a sustained release delivery system for all drugs tested.     

Development and Evaluation of pH-Dependent Micro Beads for Colon Targeting

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate multiparticulates of alginate and chitosan hydrogel beads exploiting pH sensitive property for colon-targeted delivery of theophylline. Alginate and chitosan beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation method followed by enteric coating with Eudragit S100. All formulations were evaluated for particle size, encapsulation efficiency, swellability and in vitro drug release.In vitro dissolution studies performed following pH progression method demonstrated that the drug release from coated beads depends on coat weights applied and pH of dissolution media. Mechanism of drug release was found to be swelling and erosion-dependent. The studies showed that formulated alginate and chitosan beads can be used effectively for the delivery of drug to colon and a coat weight of 20% weight gain was sufficient to impart an excellent gastro resistant property to the beads for effective release of drug at higher pH values.     

Effect of water-soluble carriers on morphine sulfate release from a silicone polymer.

The influence of gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose, and sodium alginate on morphine sulfate diffusion from cylindrical silicone polymer pellets was examined in isotonic pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. These water-soluble carriers caused the pellets to swell in aqueous media. Sodium alginate exerted the greatest influence on drug release. The morphine sulfate diffusion rate from the cylindrical pellets increased as the matrix alginate content increased up to 20%. Water-soluble carrier incorporation into silicone polymeric matrixes permits controlled release of water-soluble drugs that otherwise would be released extremely slowly from the polymer. Drug diffusion from the silicone matrix containing sodium alginate followed second-order kinetics. The release mechanism probably involves the creation of pores or pathways through the matrix secondary to the swelling.     

Impact of cross-linker on alginate matrix integrity and drug release

Sodium alginate, a biopolymer, was employed in the formulation of matrix tablets. They cracked or laminated at acidic pH, compromising their dissolution performance. Improved mechanical strength and reduced barrier permeability of calcium alginate gel provided the rationale for cross-linking the alginate matrix to sustain drug release. Studies had suggested that the incorporation of soluble calcium salts in alginate matrix tablets could sustain drug release at near-neutral pH due to in situ cross-linking. However, results from the present study showed otherwise when gastrointestinal pH conditions were simulated. Significant reduction in drug release rate was only observed when an external calcium source was utilized at low concentration. High calcium ion concentrations caused matrix disintegration. In contrast, matrices pre-coated by calcium alginate could sustain drug release at pH 1.2 followed by pH 6.8 for over 12h. The presence of cross-linked barrier impeded matrix lamination and preserved matrix structure, contributing to at least three-fold reduction in drug release at pH 1.2. Zero order release as well as delayed burst release could be achieved by employing appropriate grade of alginate and cross-linking conditions.     

A comparative study of the utility of two superdisintegrants in microcrystalline cellulose pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization.

This study evaluated the utility of including superdisintegrants (croscarmellose sodium or sodium starch glycolate) in microcrystalline cellulose extrusion-spheronization pellets as a means of increasing the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs. The model drug was hydrochlorothiazide, with water or water/ethanol as wetting agent for pellet preparation. Neither disintegrant had significant effects on pellet morphology, flow properties or mechanical resistance. Neither disintegrant caused disintegration of the pellet in drug dissolution medium. Nevertheless, the disintegrants afforded a modest increase in drug dissolution rate, attributable to the observed increase in pellet micropore volume. Drug dissolution rate was slightly higher in pellets prepared with sodium starch glycolate, probably because of this disintegrant's higher swelling capacity.     

The influence of chitosan and sodium alginate and formulation variables on the formation and drug release from pellets prepared by extrusion/spheronisation

The influence of the incorporation of two oppositely charged hydrophilic natural polymers, chitosan and sodium alginate, alone and in combination, on the ability of formulations containing a model drug (paracetamol) to form spherical pellets by the process of extrusion/spheronisation and the properties of the pellets, has been undertaken. A statistically experimental design was employed to allow the major factors which determined the properties of the pellets, to be identified. A standardised procedure was used to prepare the pellets with a ram producing the extrudate for spheronisation. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that the formulation variables of the type and level of the polymer, the proportion of the model drug, and the proportion of the microcrystalline cellulose influenced (a) the quantity of liquid binder required to produce a good formulation (narrow size range and high value for the shape factor indicating sphericity), (b) the steady-state extrusion force, (c) the pellet perimeter, (d) the apparent pellet density and (e) the porosity of the pellets. The median size of the pellets of the "good formulation" could only be related to the chitosan and sodium alginate content of the formulations. The proportion of the drug, chitosan and sodium alginate content of the formulation significantly influenced the in vitro dissolution of the model drug (paracetamol). The drug release mechanism differed with the formulation variables, although if the pellets remained intact during the dissolution test, diffusion was the controlling mechanism. There was no significant advantage to be gained by using a mixture of the two polymers in terms of retarding drug release.     

海藻酸钙作为缓释片的骨架材料的研究

海藻酸钠(NaAl)与可溶性钙盐同时存在干片剂中服后遇胃液即生成酸不溶性海藻酸钙(CaAl)的凝胶骨架,其中所含药物因缓释而具长效作用。用扫描电镜研究了这种骨架并发现NaAl粉末的细度、钙盐的形式及用量、制片工艺、颗粒大小等因素对释药速度均有明显影响。硝酸异山梨醇(ISDN)、普鲁卡因酰胺(P)、苯妥因(DPH)、茶碱(Th)、氯丙嗪(Ch)均可藉CaAl而获得不同程度的缓释作用。着重研究了ISDN长效片,结合到该药的消除速度常数,从工艺方面研究了释药速度t₃₀=50分钟的处方。     

Microencapsulation of lipophilic drugs in chitosan-coated alginate microspheres.

Chitosan-coated alginate microspheres containing a lipophilic marker dissolved in an edible oil, were prepared by emulsification/internal gelation and the potential use as an oral controlled release system investigated. Microsphere formation involved dispersing a lipophilic marker dissolved in soybean oil into an alginate solution containing insoluble calcium carbonate microcrystals. The dispersion was then emulsified in silicone oil to form an O/W/O multiple phase emulsion. Addition of an oil soluble acid released calcium from carbonate complex for gelation of the alginate. Chitosan was then applied as a membrane coat to increase the mechanical strength and stabilize the microspheres in simulated intestinal media. Parameters studied included encapsulation yield, alginate concentration, chitosan molecular weight and membrane formation time. Mean diameters ranging from 500 to 800 micron and encapsulation yields ranging from 60 to 80% were obtained. Minimal marker release was observed under simulated gastric conditions, and rapid release was triggered by transfer into simulated intestinal fluid. Higher overall levels of release were obtained with uncoated microspheres, possibly due to binding of marker to the chitosan membrane coat. However the slower rate of release from coated microspheres was felt better suited as a delivery vehicle for oil soluble drugs.