The effect of polymer properties on direct compression and drug release from water-insoluble controlled release matrix tablets

The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate key polymer properties affecting direct compression and drug release from water-insoluble matrices. Commonly used polymers, such as Kollidon^® SR, Eudragit^® RS and ethyl cellulose, were characterized, formulated into tablets and compared with regard to their properties in dry and wet state. A similar site percolation threshold of 65% v/v was found for all polymers in dry state. Key parameters influencing polymer compactibility were the surface properties and the glass transition temperature (T_g), affecting polymer elasticity and particle size-dependent binding. The important properties observed in dry state also governed matrix characteristics and therefore drug release in wet state. A low T_g (Kollidon^® SR < Eudragit^® RS) decreased the percolation threshold, particle size effect and tortuosity, but increased permeability and sensitivity to heat/humidity treatment. Hence, lower permeability and higher stability are benefits of a high-T_g polymer (ethyl cellulose). However, release retardation was observed in the same order as matrix integrity (Eudragit^® RS < ethyl cellulose < Kollidon^® SR), as the high permeability was counteracted by PVP in case of Kollidon^® SR. Therefore, the T_g and composition of a polymer need to be considered in polymer design and formulation of controlled-release matrix systems.     

The Influence of Thermal Treatment on the Physical-Mechanical and Dissolution Properties of Tablets Containing Poly(DL-Lactic Acid)

Five molecular weight grades of poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) were incorporated as organic and aqueous pseudolatex binders into matrix tablet formulations containing microcrystalline cellulose and the model drug theophylline. The tablets were thermally treated to temperatures above and below the glass transition temperature (T _g) of the PLA. The results of the dissolution studies showed that thermally treating the tablets to temperatures above the T _g of the PLA significantly retarded the matrix drug release compared to tablets which were not thermally treated. The retardation in drug release could be attributed to a stronger compact and a more efficient redistribution of polymer throughout the tablet matrix, based on fundamental principles of annealing. In addition, results from tablet index testing supported the dissolution results. The bonding index of the compact formulations increased after thermal treatment above the T _g of the PLA. Gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry studies demonstrated that thermal treatment had no significant effect on the molecular weight and the glass transition temperature of (PLA) alone and in combination with other components of the tablet formulation.     

Mechanical Properties and Tableting Behavior of Amorphous Solid Dispersions

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) consisting of acetaminophen (APAP) and copovidone were systematically studied to identify effects of drug loading and moisture content on mechanical properties, thermal properties, and tableting behavior. ASDs containing APAP at different levels were prepared by film casting and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and nanoindentation. The glass transition temperature (T_g) continuously decreased with increasing amount of APAP, but the hardness of ASDs was increased at a low APAP content and reduced at high APAP content. This in turn significantly influenced tablet quality. Water reduced both the hardness and T_g of ASDs, and the APAP loading level corresponding to the transition to the softening mechanism was lower at a higher relative humidity. Overall, the mechanical properties, rather than the thermal properties, better represent the plasticization/antiplasticization effect of small molecule to ASDs.     

Percolation theory: Evaluation and interest of percolation thresholds determination in inert matrix tablets

In this work, matrix tablets have been prepared with binary mixtures of the inert polymer Eudragit RS 100 and a soluble, power-conductor model substance, sodium chloride. The sodium chloride content was between 20 and 80% w/w. Two techniques have been proposed to achieve an easy estimation of the values of percolation thresholds, as a function of the sodium chloride loading. Two parameters, the critical time of kinetic change, t_c, and the tablet resistivity have been defined as critical properties of the system. A change in these properties and the presence of percolation thresholds were observed to appear simultaneously. A first percolation threshold at 15.17% (v/v) sodium chloride loading has been found. The obtained data, evaluated on the basis of the percolation theory, have allowed to establish the installation of release mechanism and explain the drug release process from inert matrix systems.     

Sustained Release of Acetaminophen from Heterogeneous Matrix Tablets: Influence of Polymer Ratio,Polymer Loading,and Co-active on Drug Release

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of pseudoephedrine (PE), polymer ratio, and polymer loading on the release of acetaminophen (APAP) from hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrices. Granules formulated with APAP or both APAP and PE, and various blends of HPMC and PVP were compressed into tablets at varying compression forces ranging from 2000 to 6000 lb. In vitro drug release from the matrix tablets was determined and the results correlated with those of tablet water uptake and erosion studies. Drug release from the formulations containing both APAP and PE was slower than those containing only APAP (P < 0.05, F = 3.10). Drug release from tablets formulated with APAP only showed an initial burst at pH 1.16 or 7.45, and at high total polymer loading (≥ 9.6%). Formulations containing both APAP and PE showed slower drug release at pH 1.16 than at pH 7.45. At pH 1.16, a decline in the percentage of APAP released occurred after 18 hours. This was due to the hydrolysis of APAP to p-aminophenol. The drug dissolution data showed good fit to the Korsmeyer and Peppas model, and the values of the release exponents ranged from 0.20 to 0.62, indicating a complex drug release pattern. Tablet erosion studies indicated that the amount of APAP released was linearly related to the percentage of tablet weight loss. The kinetics of tablet water uptake was consistent with a diffusion and stress relaxation controlled mechanism. Overall, the results of this study indicated that PE, as a co-active in the formulation, modified the matrix, and hence retarded APAP release.     

Sustained release of acetaminophen from a heterogeneous mixture of two hydrophilic non-ionic cellulose ether polymers

This study examined the release of acetaminophen (APAP) from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) matrices. The effect of pseudoephedrine (PE) as a co-active, HPMC:HPC ratio, polymer loading, pH of the dissolution media, and compression force on APAP release were studied. Granules formulated with APAP or both APAP and PE, and various blends of HPMC and HPC were compressed into tablets at different compression forces. APAP release from the matrix tablets was not considerably influenced by changes in HPMC:HPC ratio or compression force. The rate of drug release was significantly affected by pH of the dissolution media, total polymer loading, and the presence of PE. Drug release from the formulations containing both APAP and PE was slower than those containing only APAP. Drug release from tablets formulated with APAP only showed an initial burst at pH 1.16 or 7.45. Formulations containing both APAP and PE showed slower drug release at pH 1.16 than at pH 7.4. The drug release data showed a good fit to the Power Law Model. The mechanism of drug release is consistent with a complex behavior. The results of the tablet erosion studies indicated that the amount of APAP released was linearly related to the percentage of tablet weight loss. The kinetics of tablet water uptake was consistent with a diffusion and stress relaxation mechanism.     

用渗滤理论研究乙基纤维素骨架片的最适压片力范围

目的　用渗滤理论研究制备阿司匹林-乙基纤维素骨架片的最适压片力范围。方法　使用不同的压片力(3～30 kN)制备了含阿司匹林40%的阿司匹林-乙基纤维素骨架片,测定了溶出曲线,用Higuchi方程和Ritger-Peppas方程对溶出数据进行拟合。将拟合的Higuchi方程的斜率b值和计算得到的片剂的孔隙率ε,代入渗滤理论推导出的公式中,可计算出表观扩散系数D和片剂溶出性能参数β,分别以D对ε及β对ε回归,可得到临界孔隙率ε_c,由β-ε,D-ε和β-ε₀曲线可推知最适压片力范围。结果　压片力在9～18 kN时,药物释放遵从Higuchi模型方程,片剂以骨架扩散机制释药,且释药速度适中,因此9～18 kN为最适压片力范围。低于9 kN时,片子的初始孔隙率太大,药物溶出过快;高于18 kN时,药物溶出过慢,呈异常扩散机制释放药物。结论　渗滤理论可较清楚地阐明阿司匹林骨架片的释药机制,并可得到制备阿司匹林片的最适压片力范围。     

The Role of the Drug/Excipient Particle Size Ratio in the Percolation Model for Tablets

Purpose. In previous papers, a linear relationship between drug particle size and drug percolation threshold was found in inert matrix tablets. The main objectives of the present work are: to study the influence of the excipient particle size on the drug percolation threshold and to investigate if the change in the drug percolation threshold is due either to the absolute or to the relative drug particle size. Methods. Matrix tablets have been prepared using KC1 (7 different particle size fractions) as a drug model and Eudragit^® RS-PM (4 granulommetric fractions) as matrix forming material. In vitro release assays were carried out on the 66 lots of tablets. The drug percolation thresholds were estimated following the method of Bonny and Leuenberger. Results. The particle size of the excipient has shown an opposite effect to the drug size on the drug percolation threshold. Nevertheless, the influence of drug and excipient sizes on the drug percolation threshold are of the same magnitude. Conclusions. The drug percolation threshold depends linearly on the relative drug particle size. This finding is in agreement with percolation theory and can facilitate the use of the percolation threshold as a preformulation parameter to improve the pharmaceutical dosage forms design.     

Determination of the percolation thresholds for polyethylene oxide and polyacrylic acid matrix tablets

The purpose of this study was to implement the concepts of percolation theory in the characterization of drug release from hydrophilic matrix tablets. Percolation theory is a powerful statistical tool that enables mathematical insight into geometrically complex and disordered systems. Matrix tablets are effective substrate for the implementation of percolation theory because of their inherent disordered structure. The objective was to predict percolation thresholds of polyethylene oxide and polyacrylic polymers in diclofenac sodium hydrophilic matrices. Matrix tablets were prepared using polyethylene oxide or polyacrylic acid as matrix forming materials and diclofenac sodium was used as a model drug substance. Ten formulations with different drug/excipient ratios were prepared using the direct compression method. Dissolution studies were performed using the paddle apparatus method. For estimating percolation threshold the change of the kinetic parameters in aspect to the volumetric fraction of excipient plus initial porosity of the tablets was studied. Observed critical points with sudden changes in behavior of kinetic parameters can be attributed to the percolation thresholds. Percolation threshold is found to be 60.22% v/v polyethylene oxide + initial porosity and 39.94% v/v polyacrylic acid + initial porosity. The results obtained demonstrate that percolation theory can be used to design and develop matrix tablet formulations. Determination of percolation threshold is a useful tool for preparing robust formulations.     

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 (T_g) 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 T_g 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°C for 30 days.     

Design,Development and Optimization of S (-) Atenolol Floating Sustained Release Matrix Tablets Using Surface Response Methodology

The objective of this present investigation was to develop and formulate floating sustained release matrix tablets of s (-) atenolol, by using different polymer combinations and filler, to optimize by using surface response methodology for different drug release variables and to evaluate the drug release pattern of the optimized product. Floating sustained release matrix tablets of various combinations were prepared with cellulose-based polymers: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a binder and lactose monohydrate as filler. The 3² full factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of formulation variables on different properties of tablets applicable to floating lag time, buoyancy time, % drug release in 1 and 6 h (D_{1 h,}D_{6 h}) and time required to 90% drug release (t_90%). Significance of result was analyzed using analysis of non variance and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. S (-) atenolol floating sustained release matrix tablets followed the Higuchi drug release kinetics that indicates the release of drug follows anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism. The developed floating sustained release matrix tablet of improved efficacy can perform therapeutically better than a conventional tablet.     

Study of morphine hydrochloride percolation threshold in Eudragit® RS–PM matrices

Percolation theory has been applied in the pharmaceutical field since 1987. The knowledge of the percolation thresholds of a system results in a clear improvement of the design of controlled release dosage forms such as inert matrices. In the present paper, the percolation thresholds of morphine hydrochloride inert matrices have been estimated and the obtained results have been applied to the design of controlled release inert matrices of this drug.

The tablets were prepared by compression of binary mixtures of morphine hydrochloride, as a drug of clinical interest to cancer patients, and Eudragit® RS–PM, a hydrophobic acrylic polymer as matrix forming material. Drug loadings between 10% and 90% (w/w) were prepared, keeping constant the drug and excipient particle sizes. The dissolution assay was carried out exposing only one side of the tablets to the dissolution medium. The drug percolation threshold was estimated following the method of Leuenberger and Bonny as 0.506±0.014 of total porosity, corresponding to ca. 40% (w/w) drug content. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs corresponding to the tablet side facing the lower punch and to the cross-section of these matrices are in agreement with the estimated percolation range.On the other hand, according to the SEM study and to the tablet integrity after the release assays, the excipient percolation threshold is expected to range from 65 to 80% (w/w) of drug, i.e. from 29.5 to 17% (v/v) of excipient. The release profiles of the matrices situated above the percolation threshold of the swelling substances (more than 41% v/v of excipient) have shown practically linear release profiles, which appear to not be sensitive to the drug load.     

Matrix type controlled release systems: I. Effect of percolation on drug dissolution kinetics.

Matrix type controlled release tablets were prepared by compression of binary mixtures of a soluble brittle model drug (caffeine) and a plastic matrix substance (ethyl cellulose). The drug content of the tablets was varied from 10% to 100% (weight/weight) and the drug dissolution from one flat side of the tablets was studied. By means of percolation theory the release kinetics could be explained over the whole range of drug loadings. For low drug concentrations up to the lower percolation threshold the release was incomplete because most of the drug was encapsulated by the matrix substance. For drug loadings between the lower and the upper percolation threshold the release was matrix-controlled. For high drug loadings a change to zero order dissolution kinetics was observed. Close to the percolation threshold the diffusion coefficient obeys a scaling law, from which a simple equation to estimate the value of the lower percolation threshold was derived and applied to the measured dissolution data. The critical porosity (lower percolation threshold) was found to be 0.35, corresponding to a drug content of about 28% (weight/weight).     

用渗滤理论考察阿司匹林-乙基纤维素骨架片的释药机制和释放动力学

目的　用渗滤理论研究阿司匹林骨架片的释药机制及释放动力学。方法　测定了不同阿司匹林含量骨架片的释放曲线,用模型方程对释放数据进行了拟合。利用渗滤理论,经一系列计算可得到阿司匹林的渗滤阈。结果　阿司匹林含量在30%～60%时,以骨架扩散机制释药,遵从Higuchi模型方程;含量较高时则接近零级动力学释药。阿司匹林渗滤阈为0.235。结论　渗滤理论可清楚地阐明阿司匹林骨架片的释药机制,并得到阿司匹林的渗滤阈,由此可确定具有合适释药速率的阿司匹林的含量范围。     

Characterization of 5-Fluorouracil Release from Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Compression-Coated Tablets

Hydrogel compression-coated tablets are able to release the core drug after a period of lag time and have potential for colon-specific drug delivery based on gastrointestinal transit time concept. This study investigated the factors influencing in vitro release characteristics of a model drug 5-fluorouracil from hydroxypropylmethycellulose (HPMC) compression-coated tablets. The core tablet, prepared by a wet granulation compression method, was designed to disintegrate and dissolute quickly. To prepare the compression-coated tablets, 50% of the HPMC/lactose coat powder was precompressed first, followed by centering the core tablet and compressing with the other 50% of the coat powder. Release characteristics were evaluated in distilled water by using a Chinese Pharmacopoeia rotatable basket method. Effect of HPMC viscosity, lactose content in outer shell, and overall coating weight of outer shell on release lag time (T_lag), and zero-order release rate (k) were studied. Release of drug from compression-coated tablets began after a time delay as a result of hydrogel swelling/retarding effect, followed by zero-order release for most of the formulations studied. HPMC of higher viscosity (K4M and K15M) provided better protection of the drug-containing core, showing increased release lag time and slower release rate. Incorporating lactose in outer shell led to decrease of T_lag and increase of k. T_lag and k are exponentially and linearly correlated to lactose content, expressed as weight percentage of the outer shell. Larger coating weight (W) of outer shell produced larger coating thickness (D) around core tablet, which resulted in increase in T_lag and decrease in k. There was good fitting of a linear model for each of the four variables W, D, T_lag, and k. Hardness of the compression-coated tablets and pHs of the release media had little effect on drug release profile. It is concluded that the release lag time and release rate are able to be tailored through adjusting the formulation variables to achieve colon-specific drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil.     

Percolative Transport and Cluster Diffusion Near and Below the Percolation Threshold of a Porous Polymeric Matrix

Purpose The purpose of this research was to develop a quantitative mass transport model to describe the release of a drug from a porous inert matrix dosage form near and below the percolation threshold for the system.Methods Cumulative release profiles were generated for a series of tablets composed of a binary mixture of varying amounts of non-conducting (poly(vinyl stearate)) and conducting (benzoic acid) components. The porous microstructure was analyzed using re-constructed three-dimensional images of leached microtomed tablet sections. Poly(vinyl stearate) was characterized for transport properties, molecular weight and thermal properties.Results Based on percolation theory, the binary matrix was determined to have a percolation threshold of 0.09 ± 0.02. Transport, which could not be explained by “classical” percolation theory or surface diffusion alone, was observed below the percolation threshold for the system.Conclusions A model describing transport near and below the percolation threshold in matrices composed of two phases, polymer and drug, was developed. The percolation model developed accounts for diffusion within the porous structure and through the inert, insoluble polymeric amorphous regions of the matrix. The low percolation threshold and subsequently high coordination was concluded to be due to the biphasic classical porous and nonclassical polymeric diffusional transport mechanisms associated with the system studied.     

Evaluation of chemically modified hydrophobic sago starch as a carrier for controlled drug delivery

The present investigation deals with the development of controlled release tablets of lamivudine using acetylated sago starch. The acetylated starch was synthesized with acetic anhydride in pyridine medium. The acetylated sago starch was tested for acute toxicity and drug–excipient compatibility study. The formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics like hardness, % friability, % drug content and weight variations. The in vitro release study showed that the optimized formulation exhibited highest correlation (R) value in the case of higuchi kinetic model and the release mechanism study proved that the formulation showed a combination of diffusion and erosion processes. There was a significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters (T_max, C_max, AUC, V_d, T_1/2 and MDT) of the optimized formulation as compared to the marketed conventional tablet Lamivir® which proves the controlled release property of acetylated sago starch.     

Optimization and prediction of drug release from matrix tablets using response surface methodology and near infrared chemical imaging

The purpose of this work was to understand the formulation effect on the drug release from a hydrophilic matrix tablet of niacin using a multivariate statistical technique and Near Infrared Chemical Imaging (NIR-CI). Tablets were composed of ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as release retarding polymers and lactose as the release modulator. D-optimal experimental design was composed of three formulation variables: the content of EC(X₁), PEO (X₂), and lactose (X₃). Response surface methodology (RSM) and multiple response optimization utilizing the polynomial equation were used to predict the optimal formulation. Results showed that the interaction effect of lactose with the polymers PEO and EC and lactose by itself were the most influential factors on the drug release rate. While lactose enhances the drug release rate by forming pores it also promotes water penetration into the tablet core. This in turn helps the formation of the gel layer which acts as barrier to drug diffusion. NIR-CI showed that tablets with higher level of PEO swells at a faster rate and greater extent than formulations with higher level of EC. NIR-CI was thus found to be a very useful technique to predict the drug release rate from hydrophilic matrix systems.     

Succinylated whey protein isolate as a sustained-release excipient of puerarin derivative oral tablets: Preparation,optimization and pharmacokinetics

This work was done to investigate succinylated commercial whey protein isolate (S-WPI) as an oral sustained-release delivery carrier for puerarin 5 (PR-5). The succinylation conditions were established for S-WPIs by optimization of single factor study and Box–Beehnken design. The effect of succinylation degree on S-WPIs solubility was evaluated. Physicochemical properties of S-WPIs dried by different three methods on their flow ability, particle size, morphology and in vitro release behavior were studied. After preparing PR-5 sustained release protein tablets with S-WPIs as the carrier by direct powder compression method, the drug release were studied in vitro and the oral pharmacokinetics and bioavailability was evaluated using in vivo dog model. It was observed that concentration of substrate has a significant effect on succinylation. Release behavior in vitro showed spry dried S-WPIs with 100% succinylation rate and 30% drug loading would be applied to the preparation of PR-5 sustained-release protein tablets based on the swelling mechanism (protein loss). Compared with PR-5 conventional tablet with oral administration, T_max value of PR-5 sustained-release protein tablets was approximately 1.58 fold greater than those of the conventional tablets as further evidenced by the significantly prolonged MRT and T_1/2. The findings demonstrated that spray-dried S-WPIs has potential as a promising functional excipient for the design of PR-5 oral sustained-release tablets which can fully improve sustained-release effect and oral bioavailability.     

Fast Dissolving Tablets of Fexofenadine HCl by Effervescent Method

In the present work, fast dissolving tablets of fexofenadine HCl were prepared by effervescent method with a view to enhance patient compliance. Three super-disintegrants viz., crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate along with sodium bicarbonate and anhydrous citric acid in different ratios were used and directly compressible mannitol (Pearlitol SD 200) to enhance mouth feel. The prepared batches of tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, drug content uniformity and in vitro dispersion time. Based on the in vitro dispersion time (approximately 20 s), three formulations were tested for in vitro drug release pattern in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, short-term stability at 40°/75% RH for 3 mo and drug-excipient interaction (IR spectroscopy). Among the three promising formulations, the formulation ECP₃ containing 8% w/w of crospovidone and mixture of 24% w/w sodium bicarbonate 18% w/w of anhydrous citric acid emerged as the best (t_50% 4 min) based on the in vitro drug release characteristics compared to conventional commercial tablet formulation (t_50% 15 min). Short-term stability studies on the formulations indicated that there are no significant changes in drug content and in vitro dispersion time (P<0.05).