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Published on: December 13, 2010
Module assemblage technology for floating systems: in vitro flotation and in vivo gastro-retention
Orazio Luca Strusi1, Fabio Sonvico, Ruggero Bettini
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Italy.
Summary
This study demonstrates that void-configured assembled systems exhibit effective in vitro and in vivo gastro-retention. These floating drug delivery systems remain buoyant in the stomach for extended periods, influenced by diet and individual factors.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Developing oral drug delivery systems with prolonged gastric residence time is crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy.
- Traditional systems often suffer from rapid gastric emptying, limiting drug absorption.
- Novel system designs are needed to overcome these limitations and enhance drug bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the floatation behavior and gastro-retention of void-configured assembled systems.
- To compare the performance of these floating systems with non-floating counterparts.
- To assess the influence of food regimen and subject characteristics on gastric residence time.
Main Methods:
- In vitro floatation studies using resultant-weight measurement.
- In vivo gamma-scintigraphy experiments in human subjects.
- Comparison of void-configured floating systems with non-floating systems of identical mass and composition.
Main Results:
- Void-configured systems demonstrated immediate and sustained in vitro floatation for over 5 hours.
- In vivo studies confirmed sustained gastric residence times ranging from 2.5 to 5.0 hours.
- Food intake and subject's sex influenced gastric residence time, with further prolongation upon eating and drinking.
Conclusions:
- Void-configured assembled systems possess inherent buoyancy suitable for prolonged gastric retention.
- These floating systems offer a promising approach for oral drug delivery, enhancing residence time in the stomach.
- Gastric residence time can be modulated by dietary factors and individual physiological characteristics.
