Tablet Binder Research Articles

Characterization of Chrysophyllum albidum and Anacardium occidentale gums as wet and dry binders in ciprofloxacin tablets

This study aimed to extract gums from Chrysophyllum albidum (CAG) fruit and Anacardium occidentale (AOG) bark tears; and characterize them as wet and dry binders in tablets. AOG and CAG were extracted using old and modified protocols respectively. CAG, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and gelatin (GTN) were used in wet granulation (WG), while CAG, AOG, pregelatinized starch (PGS) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) were used in direct compression (DC). Granules and powder blends were evaluated for flowability, while tablets underwent standard quality assessment to characterize and compare CAG and AOG to standard binders. CAG yield was influenced by anti-solvent and procedure used. Ethanol precipitated more gum than acetone; slurry from mixture of exocarp and mesocarp gave lower gum yield than mesocarp alone. On flowability, granules formulated with CAG flowed better than those containing PVP or GTN. Ciprofloxacin-excipients blends exhibited poor flow but can be rank in order of performance: PGS>AOG>CAG>HPMC. WG tablets possessed excellent mechanical properties, with binder efficiency ranked as: CAG>PVP>GTN. DC tablets had acceptable mechanical properties (CAG at concentrations ≥ 6%, AOG at ≥ 2%). Drug release from WG with CAG or PVP at 1- 2% was ≥ 80% in 30 min, but CAG significantly (p<0.05) reduced release at 3-4%, while GTN did at 2-4%. DC tablets (CAG or PGS) released ≥ 80% drug in 30 min. AOG imparted slow release, while HPMC allowed much slower release. CAG and AOG have good binder efficiencies, thus useable at low concentrations as wet and dry binders to produce tablets with acceptable pharmaceutical characteristics.

Formulation Development and Application of Natural Clay as Binder in Metronidazole Tablets

Formulation Development and Application of Natural Clay as Binder in Metronidazole Tablets

Phyto chemistry, Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Potential of Enset (Ensete ventricosum): A Review

Enset (Ensete ventricosum) belongs to family Musaceae is a plant native to Ethiopia, it is often called false banana for its close resemblance to banana plant. Enset is drought-tolerant, multi-purpose crop which has been part of a sustainable cropping system with high agro-biodiversity in Ethiopia. It could improve food and health security in the country especially where other options is low. Enset plant contains starch and other minor/trace elements which contributes in its nutraceutical applications. Starch is major constituents of the plant and play crucial role in pharmaceutical activities including: Tablet binder and disintegrant, Pharmaceutical gelling agent, Sustained release agent. Nutrional values and major food products of enset, namely Koch, amicho and bulla along with medicinal values encompasses; anti-microbial, anti-nematodal diseases of humans, expel of placenta, healing bone fracture are some nutraceutical applications of enset.

Incorporation of biotransformed silver nanoparticles in plant polysaccarides resin and their effect on sustained drug release

The intension of current study was to determine antibacterial and drug releasing capacity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNps) with Moringa oleifera resin in the presence of Montelukast sodium and Ibuprofen. This plant gum is economic, easily available, biodegradable, safe and potential tablet binder. There was no significant study reported on the incorporation of green synthesized silver nanoparticle with plant resin in drug release. The aqueous extract of Clerodendron phlomoides was used for the bioreduction of silver nanoparticles as well as a capping agent. This green synthesized AgNps was observed in UV at 489 nm due to the SPR (Surface Plasmon Effect) effect, and the presence of protein and polyol compounds was identified by FTIR. The crystalline structure of AgNps was analyzed by XRD, elemental silver composition was measured by EDAX, morphological structure and size was revealed by SEM and TEM analysis. The antibacterial effect of green synthesized AgNps was analyzed by zone of inhibition method. Silver nanoparticles incorporated in M. oleifera plant resin and its functional groups and thermal degradation properties were characterized by FTIR and TGA, respectively. The drug release properties of the AgNps incorporated with plant resin were evaluated for the sustained release and compared with raw plant gum without AgNps consistency.

Solid State Characterization of Two Tropical Starches Modified by Pregelatinization and Acetylation: Potential as Excipients in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Aims: To pre-gelatinize, acetylate and characterize Dioscorea dumetorum (bitter yam) and Dioscorea oppositifolia (Chinese yam) starches using solid-state parameters such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscope (1H-NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pH, swelling, density, flow and rheological properties of the starches were also determined. Commercial native corn and pre-gelatinized potato starches were used as standards. Methodology: Pregelatinization and acetylation were conducted by thermal and chemical modification respectively. Acetylated starches of bitter and Chinese yams with degrees of substitution of 2.56 and 2.70 respectively were obtained. The presence of acetyl groups was confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, SEM, DSC and PXRD. Results: The DSC endotherms revealed that pre-gelatinized bitter and Chinese starches had higher gelatinization temperatures than the native forms (111.56 to 123.52°C and 101.14 to 108.88°C respectively), whereas the acetylated starches had lower gelatinization temperatures (84.69°C and 69.85°C respectively). The modified starches showed lower enthalpies (ΔH values 154.0 to 91.91 J/g and 263.57 to 120.70 J/g for the respective pre-gelatinized starches; 8.09 J/g and 7.02 J/g for the respective acetylated starches). Acetylation was confirmed by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. The PXRD spectra showed characteristic semi-crystalline structures of the native starches (2θ between 13°C and 23°C) were disrupted by acetylation and pregelatinization, forming amorphous structures. Viscosity of 5% slurry of the starches decreased with increasing shear rate; flow curves were typical of non-Newtonian shear thinning fluids. Bitter and Chinese yam starches had lower bulk density (0.33±0.02 and 0.38±0.01 gcm-3 respectively) and better compressibility (40±2.00 and 27.17±2.18% respectively) relative to commercial native corn, suggesting their potential effectiveness as binders in tablets. Pre-gelatinized yam starches had higher (p<0.01) swelling than their native forms and standards, suggesting their potential as disintegrants. Acetylation altered the nature of the starches from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and reduced swellability, suggesting their suitability for controlled release application. Conclusion: Bitter and Chinese yam starches in their native, pre-gelatinized and acetylated forms could find applications as cheaper alternative excipients in various pharmaceutical formulations.

Evaluation of Binding Property ofRemusatia vivipara(Roxb) Mucilage in Tablet Formulation

Remusatia vivipara is a common herbaceous belongs to the family of Araceae. Tubers of plant contain mucilage hence attempt to evaluate the tubers for suitability as tablet binder is considered and the present investigation repots the isolation of mucilage of Remusatia vivipara tubers. The DSC and FTIR thermograms of drug and mucilage indicated no chemical interaction. Phytochemical and Physiochemical characteristics of mucilage were studied which confirmed the mucilage nature. The mucilage was evaluated for its granulating and binding properties in compressed tablet using Metformin HCl as model drug. The granules prepared by mucilage with different concentration such as 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% were compared with starch paste, which was used as standard binder. The tablets had good physiochemical properties and the drug release was more than 95% within 24hr. It was observed that decreasing the concentration of mucilage increases hardness and the disintegration time. The tablet prepared using 1% and 3% shows drug release rate in sustained manner and that of standard binder 10% starch paste used for comparison. Remusatia vivipara mucilage could be used as a good binding agent at very low concentrations. This can be used for sustaining the drug release from tablets, since the prepared tablets produced a sticky film of hydration on the surface, which ultimately reduces drug release rate and hence it can be evaluated for its efficacy to sustain the drug release.

Evaluation of the Binding Effect of Local Gum of &lt;i&gt;Boswellia papyrifera&lt;/i&gt; in Paracetamol Granules and Tablet Formulations

Boswellia papyrifera is one of the chief gum resin producing tree species in Ethiopia. Frankincense harvested from it is the most widely traded one. Frankincense is used for a variety of purposes from traditional medicine to industries such as pharmaceutical, perfume and food industries. In this work, B. papyrifera gum has been evaluated for its binding effect in paracetamol granules and tablet formulations in comparison with the commonly used binders, Acacia BP and PVP K-30. Some physicochemical properties of the extracted gum indicated that the gum exhibited solubility in water, absence of tannin and slightly acidic pH. The loss on drying and ash value were well within the official limits. Paracetamol granules were prepared using different proportions of B. papyrifera gum (BPA), Acacia BP (ACA) and PVP K-30 by wet granulation method. The granules prepared with the binders exhibited optimum moisture content, good flow properties and compressibility. Percent of fines decreased with increasing binder concentration. Increase in binder concentration led to an increase in crushing strength, decrease in friability and increase in disintegration time of the tablets which were observed in all the three binders. Paracetamol tablets prepared with 2% w/w of BPA and ACA failed to comply with the specification for the friability test (> 1%). All concentrations of PVP and 2 to 6% w/w concentrations of ACA and BPA met the BP specification for disintegration. At 2% w/w to 6% w/w binder levels, there were no significant differences in the extent of drug release among the binders in 30 min. All the batches of ACA, BPA and PVP, except at 8% of BPA, complied with the specification which states that the quantity of drug released should not be less than 80% of the labeled amount of paracetamol in 30 min. From the foregoing, it can be concluded that the gum extract of B. papyrifera oleo-gum resin could be explored as an alternative excipient for its binder effect in granule and tablet formulations. Keywords: Boswellia papyrifera , natural gum, paracetamol, wet granulation, tablet binder

Clinical and pathologic characteristics of intranasal abuse of combined opioid-acetaminophen medications.

The nonmedical abuse of prescription opioids via intranasal administration is a growing problem. The objective of this study is to investigate of the typical presentation of intranasal opioid-acetaminophen abuse and outline optimal therapy. This study was a retrospective chart review. Patients with intranasal pathology from inhalation of combined opioid-acetaminophen medications (COAMs) from 3 academic otolaryngology practices in western Pennsylvania from January 2012 to October 2012 were included in the review. Seven adults ranging in age from 23 to 46 years were identified with nasal complaints from the intranasal inhalation of COAMs. All patients presented with nasal pain and were found to have fibrinous necrotic nasal mucosa involving the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Of the 7 patients, 6 (85.7%) presented with a septal perforation. Pathology and culture revealed fungus in 85.7% of the patients; however, no invasive fungal disease was noted in any of the specimens. Patients did not improve with either systemic or topical antifungal therapy. Polarizable material characteristic of talc used as a tablet binder was present in the histopathology of 4 of 7 (57.1%) patients. Patients who abstained from intranasal drug use along with serial debridement demonstrated the greatest improvement. Intranasal COAM abuse causes nasal pain, tissue necrosis with potential septal and palatal perforation, and noninvasive fungal colonization. Antifungal therapy was of no benefit in the current series of patients. Current therapy should focus on recognition of the etiology of patients' pathology and encourage abstinence from intranasal use of these drugs along with serial debridements.

AMILUM TEST WASTE OF PALM OIL (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) AS A BINDER ON PARASETAMOL TABLETS

Palm trunk the waste from rejuvenation of the palm plantation. This research was aim to test starch from palm trunk that used as binder in paracetamol tablet. This research used experimental method, which there was three formulas that used starch from palm trunk as a binder with variety concentrations of the F1(5%), F2(10%), F3(15%) and three comparative formulas that used amprotab as a binder with variety concentrations of the F4(5%), F5(10%), F6(15%). Wet granulation method was used to make the tablet. The tablet has evaluated and was statistical analiyzed One Way Anova. Evaluation of the tablets include weight uniformity test, hardness test, friability test, disintegration test, assay test and dissolution test. The result of evaluation tablets was all formula meet the requirements of tablet. Based on the result it can be used as a binder in paracetamol tablet. The optimum concentration as a binder was 10%.

LITERATURE REVIEW ON ENSET STARCH: PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

Enset (Ensete Ventricosum, Family Musaceae) is a plant indigenous to Ethiopia, it is often called ‘false banana” for its close resemblance to banana plant. The plant is the most important staple food for millions of people in the south and southwestern parts of Ethiopia. Enset plant contains starch as its major contents. The starch has been investigated for its physico-chemical properties including granule size, X-ray diffraction pattern, amylose content, gelatinization behavior, stability and various rhelogical properties of the gel. Based on its physico-chemical properties the starch was evaluated for various pharmaceutical applications such as in tablet binder and disintegrant. Several modifications were also attempted on the native enset starch so as to improve and modulate its physiochemical properties. Hence, this review aims to summarize the knowledge on the properties of enset starch and its pharmaceutical applications. Key words: Enset, Starch, properties, Pharmaceutical applicationÂ

Evaluation of Prunus domestica gum as a novel tablet binder

To evaluate binding potential of Prunus domestica gum in tablets formulations. Six tablet batches (F-1B to F-6B) were prepared by wet granulation method, containing Avicel pH 101 as diluent, sodium diclofenac as model drug using 10, 15 and 20 mg of Prunus domestica gum as binder and PVP K30 was used as standard binder. Magnesium stearate was used as lubricant. Flow properties of granules like bulk density, tapped density, Carr index, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose as well as physical parameters of the compressed tablets including hardness, friability, thickness and disintegration time were determined and found to be satisfactory. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed that the formulation containing plant gum is compatible with the drug and other excipients used in tablets formulation. Hence the plant gum has role as a potential binder in tablets formulations. The dissolution profile showed that tablets formulations containing Prunus domestica gum 15 mg/200 mg of total weight of tablet as binder showed better results as compared to PVP K30.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES FROM LACTIC ACID BACTERIA AND ITS USE IN FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are polymers that consist principally of carbohydrates and are excreted by some microorganisms onto the outside of their cell walls. Several strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are able to produce EPS which can be used as natural additives to enhance the rheology and texture of novel food products. they are considered as food-grade microorganisms known as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Various milk and curd samples were screened for the isolation of lactobacilli. The colonies were subcultured in milk media (50%) maintained at 20º C for 72 hours under anaerobic conditions for the production of EPS. EPS was then isolated after ethanol precipitation. Two promising EPS were obtained from two different milk samples and named as EPS 1 and EPS 5. The two EPS were isolated showing promising results. The isolated EPS were evaluated as an excipient in the formulation development and were explored as binder in tablets. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight uniformity, disintegration and invitro dissolution profiles. The binding property of the two EPS was investigated in diclofenac tablets formulated by wet granulation using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and gelatin. Results indicated that formulation prepared with EPS have shown good hardness and friability in tablet formulations when compared to PVP and gelatin.

Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers Used in Controlled Drug Delivery System: An Overview

Polymers are becoming increasingly important in the field of drug delivery. The pharmaceutical applications of polymers range from their use as binders in tablets to viscosity and flow controlling agents in liquids, suspensions and emulsions. Use of polymer is now extended to controlled release and targeting drug delivery system. Polymers are obtained from natural source as well as synthesized chemically. Polymers are classified as biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. Biodegradable polymers have been widely used in biomedical applications because of their known biocompatibility and biodegradability. The present review gives an overview of the different biodegradable polymers that are currently being used in the development of controlled drug delivery system.

Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Ofloxacin Tablets using Natural Gums as Binders.

Natural gums are economical, easily available, and useful as tablet binders. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to formulate Ofloxacin tablets using three natural binders, namely Acacia arabica, Hibiscus esculentus, and xanthan gum. Such six batches of Ofloxacin tablets were prepared by using different types and amounts of the natural binders by the wet granulation method. The tablets were analyzed for their hardness, friability, and weight variation, and in vitro release was performed in a phosphate buffer at pH 6.8. The prepared tablets were also evaluated for their various release kinetics and similarity factors f2. The physical properties of the tablets containing the natural binders showed sufficient hardness, desirable disintegration time, and low friability. Their better percentage of drug release was observed as compared to the marketed formulation showing more than 85% drug release within 45 minutes. The in vitro release data was well-fitted into zero-order and the values of release exponent ‘n’ were between 0.303 and 0.514. The high similarity factor f2 of 64.50 was achieved with the best batch in comparison to the marketed tablets. The results obtained indicated that the gum Acacia arabica performed as well as gelatin compared to the other binders for the Ofloxacin tablet formulation.

Modified Terminalia randii gum as a binder in metronidazole tablet formulation

The aim of this work is to acetylate Terminalia randii gum and evaluate its effectiveness as a binder in metronidazole tablet formulations. The gum was extracted using standard methods. The extracted gum was acetylatedand used at varying concentrations (1%-5%w/w) as a binder in metronidazole tablets and compared with a standard binder, polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) using wet granulation. The granule properties were assessed using bulk and tapped densities, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, angle of repose and flow rate. The mechanical properties of tablets were assessed using friability, crushing strength and crushing strength friability ratio while the release properties were evaluated using disintegration time, and dissolution time for 50% and 80% of the drug (t50 and t80 respectively). Statistical analysis using ANOVA was carried out with computer software graph pad prism (Graph pad software INC. San Diego, USA). At 95% confidence intervals, p value less than or equal to 0.05 were considered significant. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the granule properties.Formulations prepared with acetylated gum (ATR) had significantly lower (P 0.05) in the release properties of the formulations. ATR could be substituted for PVP as a binder in pharmaceutical formulations. KEYWORDS-Acetylation, Metronidazole, Release properties, Tablet, Terminalia randii gum

Characterization and evaluation of acid-modified starch of Dioscorea oppositifolia (Chinese yam) as a binder in chloroquine phosphate tablets

Chinese yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia) starch modified by acid hydrolysis was characterized and compared with native starch as a binder in chloroquine phosphate tablet formulations. The physicochemical and compressional properties (using density measurements and the Heckel and Kawakita equations) of modified Chinese yam starch were determined, and its quantitative effects as a binder on the mechanical and release properties of chloroquine phosphate were analyzed using a 2³ full factorial design. The nature (X1), concentration of starch (X2) and packing fraction (X3) were taken as independent variables and the crushing strength-friability ratio (CSFR), disintegration time (DT) and dissolution time (t80) as dependent variables. Acid-modified Chinese yam starch showed a marked reduction (p&lt;0.05) in amylose content and viscosity but increased swelling and water-binding properties. The modified starch had a faster onset and greater amount of plastic flow. Changing the binder from native to acid-modified form led to significant increases (p&lt;0.05) in CSFR and DT but a decrease in t80. An increase in binder concentration and packing fraction gave similar results for CSFR and DT only. These results suggest that acid-modified Chinese yam starches may be useful as tablet binders when high bond strength and fast dissolution are required.

Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release Matrix Tablets Using Natural Rubber Latex as Binder

Matrix is one of the most interesting drug delivery systems to control drug release in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis consists of cis-1,4-polyisoprene as the major polymer. It presents interesting physical properties such as easy to manipulate, low cost, high mechanical resistance, and insoluble in water. The aim of this study was to use the NRL as binder in matrix tablets for controlling the release rate of drug. NRL, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, olive oil, Tween 80, and lactose were used as polymer, adsorbent, plasticizer, surfactant, and diluent, respectively. Propranolol hydrochloride was used as a model drug. Propranolol hydrochloride matrix tablets were prepared by conventional heat-melting method. The in vitro release of drug from matrix tablets was determined by UV-Vis method according to dissolution test under Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets USP30-NF25 monograph. Morphology of propranolol hydrochloride matrix tablet before and after released study was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that NRL matrix tablets could control the drug release up to 12 hours. The release profiles were best fitted with Higuchi model. NRL amounts affected the properties of the propranolol hydrochloride matrix tablets. Increasing the NRL quantity in the matrices provided the decrease of release rate of drug. SEM photographs showed the number, size, and distribution of pore in propranolol hydrochloride matrix tablets that depended on amount of NRL addition. These results confirmed that NRL was possible to use as binder for matrix tablets in oral drug delivery systems.

Mimosa pudica seed mucilage: Isolation; characterization and evaluation as tablet disintegrant and binder

In the present study Mimosa pudica seed mucilage was isolated, characterized and evaluated as tablet binder and disintegrant. Several properties of mucilage like high swelling index and gelling nature prompted us to explore its applications as disintegrating and binding agent. Disintegrant properties were evaluated by formulating directly compressed hydrochlorothiazide tablets containing 1%–10% (w/w) of seed mucilage as disintegrant and compared with the standard disintegrants. The disintegration time of mucilage containing tablets was found to be in the order of 3%>1%>5%>7.5%>10%. On comparative evaluation with standard disintegrants, it was observed that the order of disintegration of tablets was Ac-Di-Sol<mucilage (3%, w/w)<corn starch. The results of liquid uptake studies were consistent with the disintegration time studies. The binding and granulating properties of mucilage were evaluated by formulating the paracetamol tablets using the Mimosa mucilage at 6%, 8%, and 10% (w/w) concentration as the binder and compared with tablets prepared using PVP-K25 (1.7%, w/w) and acacia (6.8%, w/w) as the binder. Mimosa mucilage at 10% (w/w) concentration provided tablets with adequate hardness and friability. In conclusion, M. pudica seed mucilage is a potential tablet disintegrant and binder.

Studies on Stercuia Gum Formulations in the Form of Osmotic Core Tablet for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery of Azathioprine

The purpose of this research is to evaluate Sterculia urens gum as a carrier for a colon-targeted drug delivery system. Microflora degradation studies of Sterculia gum was conducted in phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 containing rat caecal medium under an anaerobic environment. Solubility, swelling index, viscosity, and pH of the polymer solution were determined. Different formulation aspects considered were gum concentration (10-40%) and concentration of citric acid (10-30%) on the swelling index and in-vitro dissolution release. The results of the isothermal stress testing showed that there is no degradation of samples of model drug, azathioprine, the drug polymer mixture, and the core tablet excipients. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study proved the compatibility of the drug with Sterculia gum and other tablet excipients. Microflora degradation study revealed that Sterculia gum can be used as tablet excipient for drug release in the colonic region by utilizing the action of enterobacteria. The swelling force of the Sterculia gum could concurrently drive the drug out of the polysaccharide core due to the rupture of the mixed film coating under colonic microflora-activated environment. Sterculia gum gives premature drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract without enteric coating and may not reach the colonic region. Sterculia gum as a colon-targeting carrier is possible via double-layer coating with chitosan/Eudragit RLPO (ammonio-methacrylate copolymer) mixed blend as well as enteric polymers, which would provide acid as well as intestinal resistance but undergo enzymatic degradation once reaching the colon. The aim of the research is to evaluate wheather Sterculia urens, which is a polysaccharide, is suitable as a carrier for colonic delivery of drugs acting locally in the colon. Sterculia gum has been reported to have wide pharmaceutical applications such as tablet binder, disintegrant, gelling agent, and as a controlled release polymer. Sterculia gum falls under the category of a polysaccharide and is yet to be evaluated as a carrier for colonic delivery of drugs. First the susceptibility of the polysaccharide gum in rat caecal microflora was investigated because true polysaccharides are degraded by the action of normal colonic bacteria. Bacterial degradation of the gum in the colonic environment was confirmed by adding a small quantity of the gum in rat caecal content mixed with phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 under an anaerobic environment. Solubility, swelling index, viscosity, and pH of the polymer solution were determined. Different formulation aspects considered were gum concentration (10-40%), concentration of citric acid (10-30%) on swelling index, and in vitro dissolution behavior. Isothermal stress testing was done to determine that there was no degradation of the model drug, azathioprine, with Sterculia gum excipient mixtures under stressed conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study proved the compatibility of the drug with Sterculia gum and other tablet excipients. Microflora degradation study revealed that Sterculia gum is digested by the colonic microflora and therefore can be used as a tablet excipient for drug release in the colonic region utilizing the microflora degradation mechanism. Sterculia gum gives premature drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract without enteric coating and may not reach the colonic region. Sterculia gum as colon-targeting carrier is possible via double-layer coating with chitosan/Eudragit RLPO (ammonio-methacrylate copolymer) and Eudragit L100 polymers, which would provide acid as well as intestinal resistance but undergo enzymatic degradation once reaching the colon.

Evaluation of a Weakly Cationic Exchange Poly (Methacrylic Acid-Co-Divinylbenzene) Resin as Filler- Binder for Direct Compression Tablets

Purpose: To evaluate a weakly cationic exchange poly(methacrylic acid-co-divinylbenzene) resin (PMD) as a new filler-binder for direct compression tablets.Methods: Powder properties of PMD and MCC were characterized. Tablets made from PMD and MCC with and without propranolol hydrochloride were evaluated for diameter, thickness, friability, assay, disintegration, dissolution and compression behavior.Results: Tablets made from PMD (thickness: 3.54 - 4.46 mm) were thicker than those of MCC (2.93 - 3.33 mm). At compression pressures &#8805; 309 MPa, the crushing strength of PMD tablets was so high that it exceeded the capacity of the tester (500 N). PMD tablets rapidly disintegrated (0.43 - 9.56 min), but MCC tablets did not disintegrate within 60 min. The crushing strength of PMD tablets containing 10 and 100 mg propranolol hydrochloride was 406.1 and 177.9 N, respectively, which were lower than that of tablets without the drug. Tablets made from PMD also exhibited faster drug dissolution. The slopes of the linear portions of Heckel plots for PMD and MCC were comparable (5.02&#215;10-3 and 5.12&#215;10-3 MPa-1), respectively.Conclusion: PMD has good compressibility at high compression pressures, which should make it a suitable filler-binder for direct compression tablets.