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Research Article

Shape optimization and characterization of polysaccharide beads prepared by ionotropic gelation

, , , &
Pages 90-105 | Received 25 Apr 2007, Accepted 21 Oct 2007, Published online: 08 Oct 2008
 

Abstract

The shape of drug loaded polysaccharide beads produced by ionotropic gelation has been optimized, with the aim of producing spherical beads suitable for further technological operations, such as coating. The optimization was performed on a model system sodium alginate/theophylline by inclusion of various fillers. Incorporation of excipients markedly influenced the morphological characteristics of the beads. The undesired irregular shape of beads caused by incorporation of the drug could only be improved by incorporating a combination of polycarbophil (PK) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The spherical shape of these beads was stabilized mechanically by numerous air bubbles trapped inside the beads, which prevented the collapse of the beads during drying. The optimized method was shown to be applicable to a target system of pectin and an anti-inflammatory drug, LK-423.

Abbreviations
DSC=

differential scanning calorimetry

FTIR=

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

INFγ=

interferon γ

PVP=

polyvinylpyrrolidone

PK=

polycarbophil

TF=

theophylline

TNFα=

tumour necrosis factor α

EE=

encapsulation efficiency

Abbreviations
DSC=

differential scanning calorimetry

FTIR=

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

INFγ=

interferon γ

PVP=

polyvinylpyrrolidone

PK=

polycarbophil

TF=

theophylline

TNFα=

tumour necrosis factor α

EE=

encapsulation efficiency

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