Polymeric coatings for a multiple-unit pulsatile delivery system: Preliminary study on free and applied films

In order to adapt a previously described swellable/erodible pulsatile delivery system to a multiple-unit configuration, insoluble films with adequate permeability and flexibility were proposed for application to its functional hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) layer. By slowing down the penetration of water into the system, such films would be expected to improve the relevant effectiveness in delaying the onset of release without possibly impacting on the mechanism involved. Free films of Eudragit^®NE containing differing amounts (10–20%) of a superdisintegrant, i.e. Explotab^®V17, Ac-Di-Sol^®, Kollidon^®CL or Kollidon^®CL-M, were prepared by spraying technique and evaluated for hydration, permeability and tensile properties. The hydration and permeability characteristics were enhanced by the addition of the superdisintegrants, generally as a function of their concentration. Explotab^®V17 was shown particularly useful to increase the film permeability. Moreover, it exerted a minor impact on the advantageous tensile properties of the acrylic polymer, especially in the wet state. Based on these results and on a preliminary release study performed with two-layer devices, the Eudragit^®NE film with Explotab^®V17 at the highest investigated percentage was identified as a potential formulation candidate for being applied to HPMC-coated cores thus allowing the onset of release to effectively be delayed by coatings of reduced thickness.