Bilayer tablets based on poly (epsilon-caprolactone) and polymethylmethacrilates as controlled-release systems for...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Ruminant Nutrition

Background:

• Rumen degradation limits the efficacy of orally administered active ingredients in ruminants.
• Rumen-stable delivery systems are needed to protect active ingredients and ensure postruminal bioavailability.
• Controlled release mechanisms are crucial for targeted delivery in the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and evaluate bilayer tablets as rumen-stable delivery systems for folic acid in ruminants.
• To ensure protection against ruminal degradation and achieve controlled release in the intestinal tract.
• To assess the retention of these tablets in the ruminant reticulum-rumen.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of bilayer tablets with a high-density layer (poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and iron powder) and a release layer (poly(epsilon-caprolactone) or Eudragit RS/RL with folic acid).
• In vitro testing of rumen-protection stability in buffer systems (pH 5.5 and 2.0).
• In vitro release studies at pH 7.4 to simulate intestinal conditions.
• Preliminary in vivo radiographic evaluation in sheep to assess reticulum-rumen retention.

Main Results:

• Bilayer tablets achieved a density of approximately 2.3 g/cm³, sufficient to prevent rumination.
• Tablets with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) or Eudragit RS release layers demonstrated stability in simulated ruminal and abomasal environments (pH 5.5 and 2.0).
• Sustained release of folic acid was observed at pH 7.4, and radiographic studies confirmed tablet retention in the reticulum-rumen.

Conclusions:

• Bilayer tablets are effective rumen-stable delivery systems for folic acid in ruminants.
• The designed tablets protect active ingredients from degradation and ensure controlled intestinal release.
• These systems hold promise for improving nutrient delivery and therapeutic outcomes in ruminant medicine.