Abstract
Nowadays, it is a challenge to achieve the controlled directional release of multi-layered dosage forms due to the difficulty of flexible and controllable regulation of the layered structure. Herein, we utilized layer-multiplying co-extrusion (LMCE) technology to construct poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/polyethylene oxide (PEO)/ metoprolol tartrate (MPT) composites with controlled multi-layered structures, followed by the surface coating with epoxy resin. In vitro release results indicated that the release behavior of PCL/PEO/MPT composites could be flexibly modulated by the choice of uncoated surface and the number of layers. The release profile of PCL/PEO/MPT composites with PCL/PEO/MPT layer as the upper face (uncoated surface) conformed to classical Higuchi diffusion model. MPT of surface layer was released first, followed by the diffusion of MPT of inside layer in a layer-by-layer manner. The more layers, the narrower the diffusion channel, resulting in a lower release kinetics parameter. In conclusion, LMCE technology should possess great potential for the preparation of controlled directional drug release dosage forms.
Published Version
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