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Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
Selective drug delivery to the colon using pectin:chitosan:hydroxypropyl methylcellulose film coated tablets
G S Macleod1, J T Fell, J H Collett
1School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
A study has been carried out to assess the potential of pectin:chitosan:hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (P:C:H) films for colonic drug delivery. Radiolabelled (99mTc) tablets were coated with a 3:1:1, P:C:H film and administered to human volunteers. The gastro-intestinal transit of the tablets was assessed by gamma scintigraphy. The results showed that in all cases (n=4), the tablets were able to pass through the stomach and small intestine intact. Break up of the tablets commenced once they were in the colon, due to degradation of the coat by colonic bacteria. The study has highlighted the potential of this coating system for colonic drug delivery.
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