Effect of polymer ratio on the quality of a co-processed excipient of prosopis gum and crab shell chitosan

Emmanuel O Olorunsola,Susan G Usungurua

doi:10.4314/tjpr.v17i9.2

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effect of polymer ratio on the quality of a novel co-processed excipient of prosopis gum and crab shell chitosan.Methods: The physicochemical properties (DSC thermogram, powder flow properties, porosity and swelling index as well as pH, viscosity and adhesive strength of 2 % w⁄v dispersions) of prosopis gum, chitosan and the three grades of co-processed excipient of prosopis gum and crab shell chitosan (Prosochit® 201, Prosochit® 101 and Prosochit® 102) were determined.Results: The three grades of the co-processed excipient of prosopis gum and crab shell chitosan (Prosochit®) were characterized by one endothermic transition each with peaks at 180 oC, 179 oC and 178 oC for Prosochit®201, Prosochit®101 and Prosochit®102 respectively. Flow properties increased with increase in proportion of chitosan. The porosity of the three grades of the new excipient was not significantly different from that of prosopis gum. Swelling indices of prosopis gum, chitosan, Prosochit® 201, Prosochit® 101 and Prosochit® 102 were 1135.53%, 14.00%, 726.33%, 677.33% and 514.00% respectively. The viscosity also decreased with increase in the proportion of chitosan. The new excipient had higher adhesive strength compared to the individual constituents (prosopis gum and crab shell chitosan).Conclusion: Prosochit® is superior to its individual constituents as a tableting excipient but its suitability for liquid formulation is reduced by increase in the proportion of chitosan.Keywords: Polymer ratio, Crab shell chitosan, Prosopis gum, Prosochit®

Highlights

Pharmaceutical polymers are polymers that are used for the purpose of drug delivery
Prosochit®, NG Patent 2016/00355, is a novel co-processed excipient of prosopis gum (PRG) and crab shell chitosan (CTS) [16]. It is of three grades and coded as Prosochit® 201 (PC201), Prosochit® (PC101) and Prosochit® (PC102)
The prosopis gum was obtained from the seeds of Prosopis africana while the chitosan was obtained from shell wastes of Callinectes gladiator

Summary

Introduction

Pharmaceutical polymers are polymers that are used for the purpose of drug delivery They serve different purposes in the manufacture as well as in the performance of pharmaceutical preparations [1,2]. They are used as excipients in solid, semi-solid and liquid dosage forms [3,4,5]. Prosochit®, NG Patent 2016/00355, is a novel co-processed excipient of prosopis gum (PRG) and crab shell chitosan (CTS) [16]. It is of three grades and coded as Prosochit® 201 (PC201), Prosochit® (PC101) and Prosochit® (PC102). The Fourier transform infrared spectra of prosopis gum, crab shell chitosan and Prosochit® 101 in the work of Olorunsola [16] showed that prosopis gum and chitosan are compatible

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion