Controlled release systems aim at achieving a predictable and reproducible drug
release over a desired time period. These systems allow reduced dosing frequency,
constant drug levels in the blood, increased patient compliance and decreased adverse
effects. In a recent study, Chitosan beads, containing N-trimethyl Chitosan chloride,
have shown a potential in the delivery of rifampicin. However, because of inadequate
amounts of rifampicin released over 24 hours, incorporation of other pharmaceutical
excipients to increase the swelling behaviour of the beads to improve drug release,
was considered in this study.
Chitosan beads were prepared through ionotropic gelation with tripolyphosphate
(TPP) as a crosslinking agent. To increase the porosity if the Chitosan beads
Explotab®, Ac-Di-Sol® and vitamin C were added individually to Chitosan solutions
at concentrations of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 % w/v before adding the mixture to the TPP
solution. Swelling and morphology studies were used in the evaluation of the different
formulations. The swelling and morphology results were then used to select a set of
combination and concentrations of two excipients sand then prepare and characterise
beads containing two combinations. The combination formulations and formulations
containing single excipients were then loaded with rifampicin. Pure chitosan beads
exhibited a higher drug loading capacity (67.49 %) compared to the lowest loading
capacity of 41.61 % exhibited by chitosan beads containing a combination of
Explotab®, Ac-Di-Sol®.For all the other formulations the drug loading capacity
ranged within 48 and 63 %.
These formulations were used for dissolution studies over a period of 6 hours at pH
5.60 and 7.40. The dissolution results showed that no chitosan has dissolved at both
pH values. A significant amount of rifampicin was, however, released from the beads,
especially at pH 7.40. chitosan beads containing vitamin C also exhibited high
rifampicin release (48.34 ± 1.00) %) at pH 5.60 compared to the other formulations
and this makes vitamin C a potential excipient for enhanced drug release over a wide
pH range (both acidic and alkalinic). However, further studies are necessary to
optimise the preparation method to minimise drug loss during loading and to improve
the drug loading capacity of the beads. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/484 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Mohlala, Mangaabane Gorden |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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