Use of ion-exchange resins to prepare 100 microm-sized microcapsules with prolonged drug-release by the Wurster process

Ion-exchange resin (IER)--drug complexes were used as core materials to explore their capability to prepare a 100 microm-sized, highly drug-incorporated microcapsule with a prolonged drug release by the Wurster process. Diclofenac sodium was loaded into Dowex 1-X2 fractionated into 200--400 mesh and subsequently microencapsulated with two types of aqueous colloidal polymer dispersion, Aquacoator Eudragit RS30D. The mass median diameter and drug content of the microcapsules thus obtained were 98 microm and 46% with Aquacoat, and 95 microm and 50% with Eudragit RS30D, respectively. Each microcapsule was obtained at a product yield of 94%. The rate of drug release from the microcapsules was highly dependent on the encapsulating materials. For the microcapsules coated with Aquacoat, diclofenac sodium was found to be rapidly released over 4 h, even at a 25 wt% coating level because of cracks on the microcapsule surfaces resulting from the swelling stress of the drug-loaded IER cores. In contrast, significantly prolonged drug-release was achieved in the microcapsules prepared with Eudragit RS30D: even such a very low coating level as 3 wt% provided an exceptionally prolonged drug-release over 24 h. The results indicated that the use of IER along with a flexible coating material would be a feasible way to prepare a prolonged release type of microcapsules with a diameter of 100 microm and a drug content of more than 50% by the Wurster process.     

Polyethyleneimine-treated xanthan beads for prolonged release of diltiazem: <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vivo</Emphasis> evaluation

The purpose of the study was to develop a multiunit sustained release dosage form of diltiazem hydrochloride using a natural polymer, sodium carboxymethyl xanthan gum and polyethyleneimine (PEI) from a completely aqueous environment. PEI treated diltiazem resin complex loaded beads were characterized by morphology, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro and in vivo release behaviour. 40% and 80% drug was released in 2 hour in pH 1.2 and in 5 to 6 h in pH 6.8 respectively depending on the formulation variables. The prolonged release was attributed to decreased swelling of the beads due to PEI treatment. Maintaining the shape throughout the dissolution process, PEI treated diltiazem resin complex beads released the drug following non-Fickian transport phenomena. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in rabbits shows slow and prolonged drug release when compared with diltiazem solution. The designed beads are suitable for prolonged release of a water soluble drug under a complete aqueous environment using natural gum.     

Formulation and evaluation of reconstitutable suspensions containing ibuprofen-loaded Eudragit microspheres

The objective of this work was to develop and evaluate reconstitutable suspensions of ibuprofen-loaded microspheres prepared with an acrylic polymer (Eudragit RS-PM). The microspheres were prepared by the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique. To prepare reconstitutable suspension formulation, the microspheres used had a mean particle size of 316.6 microm and 99.8% loading efficiency. Xanthan gum was chosen as the suspending agent for the suspension formulations. D-sorbitol was used to impart palatability of suspensions. The amount of D-sorbitol affected sedimentation volume and redispersibility properties of suspensions. The highest improving effect was shown with 20.0% and 25.0% of D-sorbitol concentrations. It was observed that dispersion media of suspensions showed non-Newtonian flow characteristics. To ensure minimum drug leakage from the microspheres into the suspension, the pH was buffered at 3.60 using citrate buffer. The ibuprofen content calculated from the suspended microspheres was consistent with that from microspheres alone. This result indicated that no leakage of drug occurred from the microspheres in the suspension on storage. Moreover, the same release rate of ibuprofen from the microspheres suspension and microspheres alone indicated that the suspension medium studied did not affect the property of drug release. This study suggested that stable suspensions of ibuprofen-loaded microspheres could be formulated with 0.6% w/v xanthan gum by the addition of 20% w/v D-sorbitol.     

吡哌酸缓释微囊的体外溶出特性考察

考察了不同主药含量、不同粒径的吡哌酸缓释微囊的药物溶出特性及在不同pH介质中的溶出行为,探讨了微囊中吡哌酸含量对微囊结构、半数测出时间T_(50)及药物渗透性的影响与因不同pH介质中由于药物溶解度不同而引起的溶出行为的改变。证实了微囊释药符合Higuchi方程,其结构与药物含量有关,药物渗透性及T_(50)~(1/2)与药物含量存在线性相关性,药物溶出因微囊粒径减小、药物于介质中溶解度增加而增加。     

Xanthan gum to tailor drug release of sustained-release ethylcellulose mini-matrices prepared via hot-melt extrusion: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Mini-matrices (multiple-unit dosage form) with release-sustaining properties were developed by means of hot-melt extrusion using ibuprofen as the model drug and ethylcellulose as sustained-release agent. Xanthan gum, a hydrophilic polymer, was added to the formulation to increase the drug release since ibuprofen release from the ibuprofen/ethylcellulose matrices (60/40, w/w) was too slow (20% in 24 h). Changing the xanthan gum concentration as well as its particle size modified the in vitro drug release. Increasing xanthan gum concentrations yielded a faster drug release due to a higher liquid uptake, swelling and erosion rate. Regarding the effect of the xanthan gum particle size, no difference was observed for formulations containing 10% and 20% xanthan gum. However, using 30% xanthan gum, drug release was influenced by the particle size of the hydrophilic polymer due to the susceptibility of the coarser xanthan gum particles to erosion. Drug release from the mini-matrices was mainly diffusion controlled, but swelling played an important role to obtain complete drug release within 24 h. Drug release was influenced by the ionic strength of the medium as the conformation of xanthan gum molecules is determined by the salt concentration. An oral dose of 300 mg ibuprofen was administered to dogs (n=6) in a cross-over study design either as an immediate-release preparation (Junifen), as a sustained-release formulation (Ibu-Slow 600 mg (1/2 tablet)) or as the experimental mini-matrices (varying in xanthan gum concentration). Administration of the experimental formulations sustained the ibuprofen release. Although a significant difference in dissolution rate of the 20% and 30% xanthan gum mini-matrices was detected in vitro, the difference in relative bioavailability was limited (70.6% and 73.8%, respectively).     

Formulation and release of dihydralazine sulphate from tabletted microcapsules

One of the principal uses suggested for the microencapsulation of pharmaceuticals has been the preparation of the sustained release dosage form. The finished microcapsules have usually been presented in the form of suspensions or gels, but in order to obtain greater sustained release effect a non-disintegrating tablet would be a better formulation. Dihydralazine sulphate (Nepresol) is a dihydralazine-1,4-phthalazine derivative and used as an antihypertensive drug. This work was planned to prepare sustained action preparations of dihydralazine sulphate by microencapsulation and by tabletted microcapsules. Microcapsules were prepared from the microcapsule fractions using biconvex punches with 0.81 cm diameter fitted into a single punch by hand compressor. Avicel PH 101 and lactose were used as disintegrating materials in tablets having 2 kg hardness. Dissolution from both suspended microcapsules and the tablets was studied using the USP XX basket method. A study of in vitro release for both the free and tabletted microcapsules showed basically the same pattern but the time for the release was extended in the case of the tabletted preparations. Dissolution of dihydralazine sulphate was found to be governed by the core: wall ratio, microcapsule size, and the amount and kind of disintegrating agents. Dissolution kinetics were studied and evaluated.     

含ZnS的壳聚糖-阿拉伯胶含药微囊的制备及研究

目的本文以壳聚糖和阿拉伯胶为囊材,利用复凝聚法制备包裹非甾体抗炎药物布洛芬的微囊,引入ZnS纳米,增强其缓控释性能。方法将含乙酸锌的壳聚糖溶液与含Na2S的阿拉伯胶溶液混合,以布洛芬为模型药物,通过复凝聚法制备包裹非甾体抗炎药物布洛芬的复合微囊,以微囊的药物包封率与载药量为制备工艺优化指标,通过L9（34）正交实验得出微囊的最佳制备工艺条件。同时用转篮法在肠液条件下进行体外溶出的测定。结果壳聚糖浓度为0.2%、成囊pH为4.5、成囊温度为45℃、搅拌速度为200 rpm。交联剂戊二醛用量0.6mL,乙酸锌0.05M,硫化钠0.05M为最佳工艺。引入纳米ZnS的微囊比未引入纳米ZnS的微囊及市售的片剂具有更好的缓控释性能。结论引入纳米ZnS离子,并以最佳制备工艺条件制备含药微囊,工艺稳定,具有良好的缓控释作用。     

海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微囊成型机理及其对大分子药物的载药、释药研究海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微囊成型机理及其对大分子药物的载药、释药研究

目的考察海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微囊成型机理及其对大分子药物的载药及释药特性。方法采用乳化胶凝法制备海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微囊,通过差示扫描量热法(DSC)探讨其成型机理。以牛血清白蛋白(BSA)为模型药,研究微囊对大分子药物的包载能力及释药特性。结果DSC分析结果显示,组成微囊的各材料间发生静电相互作用而成型。随药载比增加,微囊中BSA的载药量由9.20％增至35.08％;随壳聚糖浓度升高,载药量由30.29％升至38.12％。载药微囊中BSA在PBS(pH 7.4)与0.1 mol·L^-1 HCl中均呈两相释放;随CTS浓度增大,BSA在0.1 mol·L^-1 HCl中的释放减慢。结论制备的微囊圆整且分散性好,微囊对BSA具较高包载能力,并具一定的缓释作用。     

Polymer-coated microparticles for the sustained release of nitrofurantoin

Suspensions of nitrofurantoin (NTF) microparticles for controlled release were investigated in this study. The microparticles were enteric coated with various combinations of the two polymers, cellulose acetate phthalate/cellulose acetate butyrate (CAP/CAB) by a modified solvent evaporation method. Ratios of NTF to the two polymers (NTF/CAP/CAB) ranged from 1.0:1.6:0.4,1.0:1.0:1.0,1.0: 0.4:1.6 to 1.0:0.0:2.0. The encapsulation efficiency, percentage yield, determined by comparing the final mass of the microparticles with the initial mass of the ingredients used, distribution of particle size and the in-vitro dissolution profiles of the microparticles were determined. Based on light photographs for the evaluation of the microparticle morphology, the drug crystals appeared to be encapsulated sufficiently by the enteric polymers. In our study, the microparticles enteric coated with CAP/CAB in the ratio of 0.4:1.6 displayed the most satisfactory in-vitro release profile (reduced release in the simulated gastric fluid and sustained release in the simulated intestinal fluid). Thus, microparticles with NTF/CAP/CAB in the ratio of 1.0:0.4:1.6 were formulated into a suspension for further bioavailability and ulcerogenicity studies in Sprague-Dawley rats, with the suspension of NTF crystals as a control. The bioavailability study was carried out in eight rats fed with either the free NTF or the corresponding microparticles in a cross-over design. The ulcerogenicity study was carried out in three groups of six rats each: one group received no drug treatment; the control group was treated with free NTF; and the third group was treated with enteric-coated NTF microparticles. The bioavailability of NTF from the microparticles was comparable with the control. More importantly, there was notably less ulceration of the gastric mucosa observed after dosing with the microparticle suspension compared with that after the administration of the control suspension.     

Encapsulation of chlorothiazide in whey proteins: effects of wall-to-core ratio and cross-linking conditions on microcapsule properties and drug release

A model drug with limited water-solubility, chlorothiazide, was successfully encapsulated in whey protein-based wall systems cross-linked by glutaraldehyde-saturated toluene via an organic phase. The effects of drug content of the core-in-wall suspension and of cross-linking conditions on core retention and on microcapsule size, structure and core release properties were investigated. Spherical, surface cracks-free microcapsules ranging in diameter from approximately 200-1300 microm were obtained. Particle size distribution of microcapsules was affected by core content and cross-linking conditions. Core retention in microcapsules prepared at different cross-linking conditions and different wall-to-core ratios ranged from 48.9-81%, from 42.2-76.1% and from 37.3-67.2% in large (L), medium-size (M) and small (S) microcapsules, respectively. In all cases, drug crystals were physically entrapped and embedded throughout the cross-linked protein matrix. Core release from the microcapsules into enzyme-free simulated gastric fluid was governed by a diffusion-controlled mechanism and did not involve erosion or softening of the wall matrix. Rate of core release was significantly affected by a combined influence of core content, microcapsule size and cross-linking density. Complete core release from L, M and S microcapsule prepared at different wall-to-core ratios and cross-linking conditions ranged from 28.6-81.2 h, from 16.8-28.6 h and from 7.2-15.9 h, respectively. Results suggested that whey protein-based wall matrix cross-linked by GAST may provide significant opportunities in modulating the release of an encapsulated core with a limited water solubility.     

Correlation between the bioavailability of microencapsulated bacampicillin hydrochloride in suspension and in vitro microcapsule dissolution

The relative bioavailability of microencapsulated bacampicillin hydrochloride in suspension was correlated with the in vitro dissolution half-lives of the microcapsules. Simultaneously, a sensory evaluation was performed to evaluate the taste acceptability of the suspension. The in vitro dissolution half-life is directly related to the coating thickness of the microcapsules. The four suspensions of bacampicillin hydrochloride, containing microcapsules with different coating thickness, were given as single 400-mg oral doses to 12 healthy volunteers after overnight fasting using a crossover design with balanced sequences. Bacampicillin is a prodrug of ampicillin, the concentration of which was determined in plasma and urine by bioassay. There were significant inverse linear relationships between the dissolution half-life and plasma peak concentration, area under the curve, and urinary recovery. The terminal exponential disposition phases of the curves were similar for all four suspensions. There was a significant direct linear relationship between the dissolution half-life and overall taste and bitterness. The results show that the mean bioavailability of bacampicillin hydrochloride from a microcapsule suspension can be predicted from an in vitro dissolution half-life. The results also suggest that bacampicillin hydrochloride can be given in a suspension with sufficient microcapsule film thickness to reduce the bitter taste of the drug and still retain adequate bioavailability.     

番茄红素微囊的体内外药剂学行为

目的考察番茄红素微囊的体外释放、番茄红素原料及番茄红素微囊在家犬体内的药代动力学、体外释放和体内吸收的相关性。方法用分光光度法测定释放介质中番茄红素的含量。用HPLC法测定家犬体内的番茄红素含量，数据用3P87程序处理，得到各主要药代动力学参数。体内吸收与体外释放进行点点相关。结果微囊体外释放呈肠溶性，原料及番茄红素微囊的T_1/2α分别为7.30和15.06 h；T_1/2β分别为28.10和46.76 h；T_max分别为22.32和41.03 h；AUC_0-∞分别为1.67和2.08 μg·h·L^-1。体内外相关性良好。结论微囊较原料药呈现缓释特征，体内外相关性结果表明可以根据体外释放情况预测体内的吸收。     

Preparation of double-encapsulated microcapsules for mitigating drug loss and extending release

The double-encapsulated microcapsules were prepared by the non-solvent addition, phase-separation method to form core material and, encapsulated with the O/W emulsion non-solvent addition method to increase drug loading and regulate drug release rate. The drug used was theophylline, which is watersoluble. Dichloromethane and n-hexane were used as the solvent and non-solvent, respectively. This study investigated how various core material and microcapsule EC/TH ratios affect the drug loss, particle size, surface morphology and release rate. The drug loss of the double-encapsulated microcapsules was 12.8% less than that of microcapsules prepared by the O/W emulsion non-solvent addition method alone. The particle size of these double-encapsulated microcapsules decreased as the concentration of EC polymer was increased in the second encapsulation process. The roughness of their surface was also in proportion to the concentration of polymer solution used in the second encapsulation process. The dissolution study showed that the T 20 of the double-encapsulated microcapsules ranged from 2-35.4 h, while that of the O/W emulsion non-solvent addition method microcapsules was from 2.7-7.7 h. The greater the level of EC in the polymer solution, the slower the release rate of the drug from the microcapsules when the EC was not over the critical amount.     

Preparation of double-encapsulated microcapsules for mitigating drug loss and extending release.

The double-encapsulated microcapsules were prepared by the non-solvent addition, phase-separation method to form core material and, encapsulated with the O/W emulsion non-solvent addition method to increase drug loading and regulate drug release rate. The drug used was theophylline, which is water-soluble. Dichloromethane and n-hexane were used as the solvent and non-solvent, respectively. This study investigated how various core material and microcapsule EC/TH ratios affect the drug loss, particle size, surface morphology and release rate. The drug loss of the double-encapsuLated microcapsules was 12.8% less than that of microcapsules prepared by the O/W emulsion non-solvent addition method alone. The particle size of these double-encapsulated microcapsules decreased as the concentration of EC polymer was increased in the second encapsulation process. The roughness of their surface was also in proportion to the concentration of polymer solution used in the second encapsulation process. The dissolution study showed that the T20 of the double-encapsulated microcapsules ranged from 2-35.4 h, while that of the O/W emulsion non-solvent addition method microcapsules was from 2.7-7.7 h. The greater the level of EC in the polymer solution, the slower the release rate of the drug from the microcapsules when the EC was not over the critical amount.     

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of polylactic acid-mitomycin C microcapsules

Abstract

An emulsion method was developed for the incorporation of water-soluble mitomycin C into polylactic acid biodegradable microcapsules. With an average particle size of about 95 μm, microcapsules with a desired loading of from 3.65 to 13.80 per cent were prepared. These microcapsules, which contained both crystalline and finely dispersed drug particles, showed a dose-dependent drug release pattern with microcapsules of higher drug loading having a faster release rate than those of lower drug loading. Effective sterilization of the microcapsules for parenteral use was achieved by ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiation, which did not affect the microcapsule structure, release rate or drug stability. Mitomycin C showed dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against the growth of the K562 human erythroleukaemia cells. The microencapsulated dosage form of mitomycin C was found to enhance the drug's activity through sustained drug release. In experiments where drug concentrations in the cell medium were reduced according to the drug's biological half-life, the microcapsule systems showed a distinct advantage over the non-capsulated dose for the kinetic inhibition of K562 cell growth.     

Properties of sustained release hot-melt extruded tablets containing chitosan and xanthan gum

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pH, buffer species and ionic strength on the release mechanism of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) from matrix tablets containing chitosan and xanthan gum prepared by a hot-melt extrusion process. Drug release from hot-melt extruded (HME) tablets containing either chitosan or xanthan gum was pH and buffer species dependent and the release mechanisms were controlled by the solubility and ionic properties of the polymers. All directly compressed (DC) tablets prepared in this study also exhibited pH and buffer species dependent release. In contrast, the HME tablets containing both chitosan and xanthan gum exhibited pH and buffer species independent sustained release. When placed in 0.1N HCl, the HME tablets formed a hydrogel that functioned to retard drug release in subsequent pH 6.8 and 7.4 phosphate buffers even when media contained high ionic strength, whereas tablets without chitosan did not form a hydrogel to retard drug release in 0.1N HCl. The HME tablets containing both chitosan and xanthan gum showed no significant change in drug release rate when stored at 40 °C for 1 month, 40 °C and 75% relative humidity (40 °C/75% RH) for 1 month, and 60 °C for 15 days.     

Effect of pH on the release characteristics of pentaestergum microcapsules and a study of dissolution kinetics

Rosin and rosin esters have excellent film-forming properties. Pentaerythritol-rosin ester (penta-ester gum) is found to be useful as moisture-protecting material with delayed release of drug. This communication relates the effect of pH on the release characteristics of a drug from penta-ester gum coated microcapsules. Salicylic acid granules were encapsulated using a 10 per cent solution of penta-ester gum in acetone. The microcapsules were evaluated for their drug release characteristics. Various pH media (pH 1.2, 3.0, 5.0, 7.2 and 8.0) were used. The results showed that penta-ester gum exhibits excellent resistance to higher pH levels and can be used for the sustained release of the drug. Dissolution rate constants were calculated and they agree with the assumption of Hixson and Crowell's cube-root equation.     

Formulation and In vitro assessment of sustained release terbutaline sulfate tablet made from binary hydrophilic polymer mixtures

In the present systematic study, a sustained release of terbutaline sulfate tablet (TBS) was developed and optimized by employing the hydrophilic polymers; chitosan and xanthan gum mixed with sodium bicarbonate as a release modifying agent. This formulation was developed using direct compression technology. In vitro release studies indicated rapid swelling and drug release in the initial period of the acid stage from a matrix composed of chitosan and xanthan gum solely. Addition of sodium bicarbonate to the matrix resulted in sustained drug release. Various formulation factors such as polymer to polymer ratio, polymer viscosity and particle size were altered and their effect on dissolution pattern was illustrated. Manufacturing variables such as compression force and lubricant percentage were investigated and found not to influence the drug release profile of the resulted tablets. The release mechanism follows Korsmeyer-Peppas equation with n value indicating non-Fickian diffusion. The release profiles were analyzed using statistical method (one-way ANOVA) and f₂ metric values and found to be similar to the commercial product Bricanyl^®. Reproducible data were obtained when scale-up of the formulation was performed.     

头孢克肟干混悬剂制备工艺及沉降体积比影响因素研究

目的:确定头孢克肟干混悬剂的最佳制备工艺并考察其稳定性。方法:通过正交试验考察羟丙基甲基纤维素、黄原胶、十二烷基硫酸钠不同处方量对干混悬剂沉降体积比的影响,筛选出适当的制备工艺;通过加速试验对所制制剂进行稳定性研究。结果:最佳工艺为十二烷基硫酸钠、黄原胶、羟丙基甲基纤维素分别占处方量的10%、20%、15%;所设计的头孢克肟干混悬剂工艺简单、稳定性良好,各项质量指标合格。结论:本工艺所制备的干混悬剂可达到《中国药典》相关要求。     

利用喷雾干燥技术制备氯雷他定透明质酸微囊和微球及其评价

目的：制备氯雷他定（LOR）透明质酸（HA）微囊和微球,并对其进行体外评价。方法：HA和聚乙二醇6000（PEG 6000）为材料,以粒径,载药量,载药率,溶解度,体外累积释放度来评价载药微囊和微球;利用DSC和XRD考察载药微囊和微球中LOR的晶型变化。结果：HA、PEG 6000和LOR的比例为16：1：2时,LOR的溶解度和溶出效果最佳。LOR微囊的水中溶解度为（23.12±0.15） μg·mL^-1,载药量为（8.07±0.44）%,载药率为（76.69±0.44）%,体外累积释放度达到（87.00±3.34）%;LOR微球的水中溶解度为（5.58±0.15） μg·mL^-1,载药量为（11.87±0.46）%,载药率为（112.78±0.46）%,体外累积释放度达到（63.16±0.63）%。晶型变化分析结果,微囊中LOR大部分以无定型状态存在,小部分以结晶状态存在;微球中LOR以无定型状态存在。结论：采用喷雾干燥法成功制备LOR-HA微囊和微球,显著改善LOR的溶解度和体外释放度的,利用此方法制备微囊（或微球）成本较低、操作简单,易于实现大规模工业化生产。