Designing, Optimisation & Characterization of Sustained Release Matrix Pellets Prepared by Extrusion Spheronization Containing Mixture of Proteolytic Enzymes

Amit   Ashok   Chivate; Sushilkumar   Sharatchandra   Poddar

doi:10.2174/156720108785914989

Abstract

A method for developing sustained release multiple unit dosage form consisting of pellets of a proteolytic enzyme blend using extrusion spheronization as a process is demonstrated in this paper. Effect of Cellulose and Methacrylate based polymers and plasticizers on stability of the enzyme blend are determined. The effect of type & concentration of the sustained release polymer, spheronization rpm and plasticizer on the yield & sphericity of pellets is studied. The results indicated that the SR pellets could be formulated for this enzyme blend using both HPMC K15 and EUDRAGIT® RSPO. The best rpm for spheronization turned out to be 1200 rpm. Use of plasticizer improved yield and sphericity. Triethyl citrate was better over polyethylene glycol 400 and EUDRAGIT® RSPO was better over HPMC K15 with respect to yield and sphericity of pellets. The pellets could be suitably enteric coated for protection of enzyme blend in lower pH of GIT. The in vitro release profile indicated release extension could be extended up to 12 hours in intestinal condition postulating to an acceptable bioavaliablity in vivo.

Keywords: Pellets, Sustained release, EUDRAGIT® L 100, –, 55, Proteolytic Enzymes, Enteric Coating, HPMC K15, EUDRAGIT® RSPO