Properties of sustained-release tablets prepared by hot-melt extrusion

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the properties of polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a drug carrier and to study the release mechanism of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) from matrix tablets prepared by hot-melt extrusion. During the hot-melt extrusion process, a dry powder blend of drug, polymer, and other adjuvants was fed into the extruder and melted inside the barrel of the machine. The molten mass was extruded through a rod-shaped die and then cut manually into 400-mg tablets. CPM and PEO were shown to be stable under the processing conditions. The molecular weight of the PEO, the drug loading percentage, and the inclusion of polyethylene glycol as a processing aid, were all found to influence the processing conditions and the drug release properties of the extruded tablets. Faster release of CPM from the matrix tablets was observed in acidic medium than in purified water and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Drug release from the matrix tablet was controlled by erosion of the PEO matrix and the diffusion of the drug through the swollen gel layer at the surface of the tablets. CPM was dispersed at the molecular level in the PEO matrix at low drug loading level and recrystallization of CPM was observed at high drug loading levels. Hot-melt extrusion was demonstrated to be a viable novel method to prepare sustained-release tablets. PEO was shown to be a suitable polymeric carrier for this process.     

Physicochemical properties and mechanism of drug release from ethyl cellulose matrix tablets prepared by direct compression and hot-melt extrusion

The objective of this research project was to determine the physicochemical properties and investigate the drug release mechanism from ethyl cellulose (EC) matrix tablets prepared by either direct compression or hot-melt extrusion (HME) of binary mixtures of water soluble drug (guaifenesin) and the polymer. Ethyl cellulose was separated into "fine" or "coarse" particle size fractions corresponding to 325-80 and 80-30 mesh particles, respectively. Tablets containing 30% guaifenesin were prepared at 10, 30, or 50 kN compaction forces and extruded at processing temperatures of 80-90 and 90-110 degrees C. The drug dissolution and release kinetics were determined and the tablet pore characteristics, tortuosity, thermal properties and surface morphologies were studied using helium pycnometry, mercury porosimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The tortuosity was measured directly by a novel technique that allows for the calculation of diffusion coefficients in three experiments. The Higuchi diffusion model, Percolation Theory and Polymer Free Volume Theory were applied to the dissolution data to explain the release properties of drug from the matrix systems. The release rate was shown to be dependent on the ethyl cellulose particle size, compaction force and extrusion temperature.     

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.     

PLGA-based monolithic filaments prepared by hot-melt extrusion: In-vitro comparative study

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热熔挤出技术制备固体分散体的辅料研究进展

热熔挤出技术(HME)是一种制备固体分散体的新技术。固体分散体的制备和性质主要依赖于辅料的选择。HME的辅料应具有较强的热塑性、较高的热稳定性、适宜的熔融黏度和原辅料的相容性。依据辅料的用途,HME的辅料主要分为载体、塑化剂和功能性辅料。依据载体溶解能力的不同,载体又分为水溶性、难溶性和肠溶性3类,对应制备出速释、缓控释功能的固体分散体。通过塑化剂和功能性辅料的修饰和辅助,进一步优化固体分散体的稳定性和释放特性。主要从载体、塑化剂和功能性辅料等方面对HME的辅料进行综述,旨在为固体分散体载体的选择、固体分散体的制备提供参考和依据。     

Release of propranolol hydrochloride from matrix tablets containing sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.

Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and three viscosity grades of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), namely NaCMC (Blanose 7H 4XF), NaCMC (Courlose P 800), and NaCMC (Courlose P 350), were investigated for their ability to provide a sustained release of propranolol hydrochloride from matrices. The rank order of release rate, in the absence of HPMC, was NaCMC (Blanose) < NaCMC P 800 < NaCMC P 350 for matrices containing 95-285 mg NaCMC, and was dependent on their viscosity grades. The effects of changing the ratio of HPMC to NaCMC (Blanose) and the drug/total polymer ratio were examined. The release rates decreased as the proportion of NaCMC in the matrices increased. Zero-order release of propranolol hydrochloride was obtained from matrices containing 285 mg 3:1 NaCMC (Blanose)/HPMC. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to quantify the moisture uptake by the polymers at 37 degrees C. Wafers containing NaCMC (Blanose) or 1:1 HPMC/NaCMC (Blanose) absorbed water similarly. A study of the erosion rates of matrices containing polymer only indicated that NaCMC (Blanose) eroded more quickly than HPMC. When propranolol hydrochloride was included in matrices containing NaCMC (Blanose), the erosion was reduced as a result of the insolubility of a complex formed between NaCMC and propranolol hydrochloride. The interaction between propranolol hydrochloride and NaCMC (Blanose) was confirmed by both dialysis and by monitoring the release of sodium ions from the matrices.     

Development and characterization of extended release Kollidon SR mini-matrices prepared by hot-melt extrusion

Kollidon^® SR as a drug carrier and two model drugs with two different melting points, ibuprofen and theophylline, were studied by hot-melt extrusion. Powder mixtures containing Kollidon^® SR were extruded using a twin-screw extruder at temperatures 70 and 80 °C for ibuprofen and 80 and 90 °C for theophylline. The glass transition temperature (T_g) and maximum torque were inversely related to ibuprofen concentrations, indicating its plasticizing effect. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that ibuprofen remained in an amorphous or dissolved state in the extrudates containing drug up to 35%, whereas theophylline was dispersed in the polymer matrix. The increase in amounts of ibuprofen or theophylline in the hot-melt extrudates resulted in the increase in the drug release rates. Theophylline release rate in hot-melt extruded matrices decreased as the extrusion temperature increased. In contrast, a higher processing temperature caused the higher ibuprofen release. This was a clear indication of the plasticizing effect of ibuprofen on Kollidon^® SR and a result from water uptake. Theophylline release rate from hot-melt extrudates decreased with increasing triethyl citrate (TEC) level because of the formation of a denser matrix. By adding of Klucel^® LF as a water-soluble additive to the hot-melt extruded matrices, an increase in ibuprofen and theophylline release rates was obtained.     

In vitro characterization and release study of Ambroxol hydrochloride matrix tablets prepared by direct compression

A series of either hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers were used to prepare controlled release Ambroxol hydrochloride (AMX) matrix tablets by direct compression. Both the compatibility and flow properties of AMX/polymer mixtures were investigated. The effect of the amount and type of polymer on the physical properties and in vitro drug release was studied and compared to commercially available Ambroxol(?) SR capsules. A kinetic study of the release profile of AMX from the prepared matrix tablets was performed. All excipients used in the study were compatible with the model drug. AMX/drug mixtures containing sodium alginate (NA) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) showed better flow properties than other polymers used in the study. The in vitro drug release studies showed that matrix tablets formulae containing 10% HPMC (S7) or a combination of 30% NA and 5% HPMC (Ah) exhibited a higher ability to control the release of AMX. The kinetic study revealed that a diffusion controlled mechanism prevailed except when carbopol was used. Formula Ah followed a non-fickian diffusion mechanism similar to Ambroxol(?) SR capsules. Both formulae S7 and Ah could be considered as potential candidates for formulation of AMX controlled release matrix tablets.     

In vitro characterization and release study of Ambroxol hydrochloride matrix tablets prepared by direct compression

A series of either hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers were used to prepare controlled release Ambroxol hydrochloride (AMX) matrix tablets by direct compression. Both the compatibility and flow properties of AMX/polymer mixtures were investigated. The effect of the amount and type of polymer on the physical properties and in vitro drug release was studied and compared to commercially available Ambroxol^® SR capsules. A kinetic study of the release profile of AMX from the prepared matrix tablets was performed. All excipients used in the study were compatible with the model drug. AMX/drug mixtures containing sodium alginate (NA) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) showed better flow properties than other polymers used in the study. The in vitro drug release studies showed that matrix tablets formulae containing 10% HPMC (S7) or a combination of 30% NA and 5% HPMC (Ah) exhibited a higher ability to control the release of AMX. The kinetic study revealed that a diffusion controlled mechanism prevailed except when carbopol was used. Formula Ah followed a non-fickian diffusion mechanism similar to Ambroxol^® SR capsules. Both formulae S7 and Ah could be considered as potential candidates for formulation of AMX controlled release matrix tablets.     

Mechanism of drug release from polymethacrylate-based extrudates and milled strands prepared by hot-melt extrusion

The aim of the study was the formulation of solid dispersions of the poorly water-soluble drug celecoxib and a polymethacrylate carrier by hot-melt extrusion. The objectives were to elucidate the mechanism of drug release from obtained extrudates and milled strands addicted to the solid-state properties of the solid dispersions and to examine and eliminate stability problems occurring under storage, exposure of mechanical stress, and in vitro dissolution.Transparent extrudates containing up to 60% drug could be prepared with a temperature setting below the melting point of celecoxib. XRPD and DSC measurements indicated the formation of a glassy solid solution, where the drug is molecularly dispersed in the carrier. The amorphous state of the glassy solid solution could be maintained during the exposure of mechanical stress in a milling process, and was stable under storage for at least 6 months. Solid-state properties and SEM images of extrudates after dissolution indicated a carrier-controlled dissolution, whereby the drug is molecularly dispersed within the concentrated carrier layer. The glassy solid solution showed a 58-fold supersaturation in 0.1 N HCl within the first 10 min, which was followed by a recrystallization process. Recrystallization could be inhibited by an external addition of HPMC.     

Properties of tablets containing granulations of ibuprofen and an acrylic copolymer prepared by thermal processes.

The objective of this study was to investigate the properties of tablets containing granulations of ibuprofen (Ibu) and Ammonio Methacrylate Copolymer, Type B (Eudragit RS PO) prepared by hot-melt processing. Tablets were compressed from granules prepared by hot-melt granulation (HMG) or direct compression (DC). For the hot-melt extrusion (HME) process, tablets were prepared by cutting the extrudate, manually. The physicochemical properties of tablets were investigated using thermal analysis, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, tablet hardness, and drug dissolution. The effect of thermal treatment of tablets on the dissolution characteristics of Ibu was also investigated. The results demonstrated that the Ibu lowered the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the Eudragit RS PO and the softened polymer functioned as a thermal binder in the granulation. Ibu was demonstrated to be an effective plasticizer for Eudragit RS PO in the thermal processes. The efficiency of the granulation process increased with increasing levels of Eudragit RS PO in the powder blend. Higher levels of Eudragit RS PO in the tablets prepared by HMG or HME resulted in a decrease in the dissolution rate of the Ibu. An increase in the amount of Ibu in the tablets prepared by HMG or DC led to a decrease in the initial dissolution rate of the Ibu. Following the thermal treatment of the Ibu tablets prepared by HMG, the dissolution rate was significantly decreased due to structural changes in the tablets that resulted from the fusion and coalescence of plasticized polymer particles, causing a reduction in tablet porosity. The Ibu tablets prepared by HME demonstrated minimal changes in their release properties following thermal treatment even at temperatures higher than the Tg of the polymer. HME was shown to be a novel method to prepare matrix tablets and stable dissolution properties were obtained when tablets were stored at 40 degrees C for 30 days.     

Preparation of starch-based pellets by hot-melt extrusion

Spherical starch pellets were directly and continuously produced using hot-melt extrusion and die-face pelletisation. In contrast to conventional pelletisation procedures, a discontinuous spheronisation step can be dropped. Pellets were produced based on four different starches (corn starch, pea starch, potato starch and waxy corn starch), four different active ingredients (ibuprofen, paracetamol, phenazon and tramadol-HCl) and various additives. The resulting pellets exhibit a large mechanical stability, low porosity and small surface area. Pellets with a very narrow particle size distribution and particle sizes even in the micron scale can be produced. The drug is either dispersed or dissolved in the starch melt. Drug loadings of up to 80% are achievable. The drug release rate is controlled by the particle size, the combination of starch, active ingredient and additives. The release mechanism is determined by the used starch and the additives. Under normal circumstances, the starch matrix remains intact during dissolution with the exception of waxy corn starch pellets. Pellets based on that starch completely erode. Mathematical modelling revealed that the drug release mechanism from corn starch, pea starch and potato starch pellets is complex and based on diffusion as well as relaxation of the matrix.     

Production of enteric capsules by means of hot-melt extrusion.

The aim of this study was to develop an alternative technique for enteric coating consisting of the hot-melt extrusion of coating polymers. An enteric coating polymer (PVAP or HPMC AS), premixed with a plasticizer, was extruded into hollow cylinders. The hollow pipes were filled with a model drug and both open ends of the cylinders were closed, yielding hot-melt extruded enteric capsules. Main advantages of this new technology are the continuity of the process and its application for the formulation of moisture sensitive active ingredients. The enteric capsules showed excellent gastro-resistance, since no drug release was observed after 2 h 0.1N HCl. The influence of wall thickness (0.15, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 mm) of the capsules on drug release was investigated. Enteric capsules with a wall thickness of 1.0 mm were subjected to a pH gradient dissolution method, simulating passage through the gastro-intestinal tract, in order to evaluate their suitability for ileal or colonic drug targeting. Storing the capsules for 1 month at high relative humidity (RH) (60 and 75% RH) revealed that the HPMC AS capsules were superior to the PVAP capsules. It can be concluded that hot-melt extruded capsules seem suitable as an alternative for enteric coating.     

Properties of drug-containing spherical pellets produced by a hot-melt extrusion and spheronization process

The objectives of this study were to investigate the particle size distribution, morphology and dissolution properties of spherical pellets produced by hot-melt extrusion and spheronization and to compare the properties of hot-melt extruded pellets with beads manufactured by a traditional wet-mass extrusion and spheronization method. Spherical pellets were produced by hot-melt extrusion without the use of water or other solvents. A powder blend of theophylline, Eudragit Preparation 4135 F, microcrystalline cellulose and polyethylene glycol 8000 was hot melt-extruded and the resulting composite rod was cut into cylindrical pellets. The pellets were then spheronized in a traditional spheronizer at an elevated temperature. The same powder blend was processed using conventional wet-mass techniques. Unlike wet-mass extruded pellets, pellets prepared from hot-melt extrusion displayed both a narrow particle size distribution and controlled drug release in dissolution media less than pH 7.4. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and porosity measurements were employed to explain the differences in drug release rates of theophylline from pellets produced by the two processing techniques. Theophylline release from the hot-melt extruded pellets was described using the Higuchi diffusion model, and drug release rates from wet-granulated and melt-extruded pellets did not change after post-processing thermal treatment.     

Evaluation of solid state properties of solid dispersions prepared by hot-melt extrusion and solvent co-precipitation

Milling processes are known to cause polymorphic transition in enantiotropic systems and the micronization process employed to produce microparticles for inhalation formulations has been reported to result in solid-state damage. The aim of the current work was to investigate the polymorphism of salmeterol xinafoate (SX) following antisolvent micronization from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) solvents and compare this to the properties of SX conventionally crystallized and micronized. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed that SX crystallized predominantly as the SX form I polymorph following rapid precipitation from PEG solvents and cooling crystallization from propan-2-ol. Thermo-kinetic analysis using a modified Avrami-Erofe'ev equation was applied to differential scanning calorimetric thermographs of crystallized and micronized SX. The kinetic analysis revealed that SX crystallized from PEG solvents underwent significantly less or no re-crystallization of SX form II from the melt. A polymorphic transition was identified upon heating ball-milled SX, although the untreated material was resistant to such transformation. The thermal behaviour of SX crystallized from PEG solvents was consistent with a lower degree of crystal lattice disorder and higher enantiotropic purity than SX crystallized from propan-2-ol; the same was also true when comparing SX before and after micronization.     

In vitro dissolution and oral bioavailability study of fenofibrate nanomatrix system prepared by hot-melt extrusion

Solvent evaporation method for preparation of nanomatrix has the disadvantages, such as residual organic solvent, environmental pollution, explosion-proofing and so on. To overcome these shortcomings, a series of fenofibrate nanomatrix drug delivery system (NDDS) consisting of nano-porous silica Sylysia^®350 (S350) and pH sensitive material Eudragit^® L100-55 (EL100-55) were prepared using hot-melt extrusion (HME), and their in vitro dissolution and in vivo bioavailability were compared. Finally, the formulation with the highest in vivo bioavailability was selected as the optimized formulation for DSC and PXRD characterization. The results showed that the optimized NDDS showed a higher bioavailability than the reference formulation, although there was crystalline form drug remaining in NDDS. The relative bioavailability of the optimized formulation was 157.1% compared with the commercial product Lipanthyl^®. In addition, the relative bioavailability of the optimized formulation was 124.8% in comparison with the formulation prepared by solvent evaporation method, showing that the NDDS prepared by the HME method was effective in improving the bioavailability of fenofibrate. In conclusion, HME was a promising method to prepare NDDS.     

Paracetamol-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) layered silicate nanocomposites prepared using hot-melt extrusion

Composites of paracetamol loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) with layered silicates (nanoclays) were prepared using hot-melt extrusion. The paracetamol crystals and layered silicates formed both intercalated and partially exfoliated nanocomposite morphologies depending on composition. The dissolution and initial burst effect were retarded slightly by the nanoclay. T_m and T_c of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) were unaffected by the presence of nanoclay, but the crystalline content decreased. The highly dispersed nanoplatelets hindered the mobility of PCL chains and alter the crystallization behavior of PCL. The T_g of PCL increased by up to 15°C on addition of a synthetic fluromica, as the nanoclay constrained chain motion and tethered PCL chains through hydrogen bonding to hydroxyl groups on the edges of the clay platelets. The tensile mechanical properties of PCL were unaffected when a naturally derived clay (montmorillonite) and paracetamol were blended. In contrast, the modulus of PCL increased by 500% and the stress and elongation at break decreased by 30% for composites prepared with a partially synthetic fluoromica. The study has therefore demonstrated that nanocomposite formation is a potentially highly useful means of manipulating the mechanical properties of melt extrusion systems. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:4831–4843, 2009     

热熔分散法制备依巴斯汀分散片

目的 以羟丙甲纤维素为载体,用热熔分散法制备依巴斯汀分散片。方法 将依巴斯汀原料熔融分散于羟丙甲纤维素热水溶液中,以甘露醇吸附药液,制备分散片。用差示扫描量热分析和X-射线粉末衍射分析热熔分散体特征,并比较自制分散片和原研药的溶出曲线。结果 X-射线衍射和差示扫描量热分析表明,热熔分散体中的依巴斯汀仍具有原料晶型的主要特征,体外溶出结果显示,依巴斯汀热熔分散体的15 min溶出度可达到95.07%,显著高于微粉化的依巴斯汀原料药,分散片30 min的累积溶出度也比原研药高出约30%。结论 以羟丙甲纤维素为载体的热熔分散技术,可显著提高依巴斯汀的溶出度。