Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Development and evaluation of pulsatile drug delivery system using novel polymer
Avinash R Tekade1, Surendra G Gattani
1Department of Pharmaceutics, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur (Dhule), India. avitekade@gmail.com
This study developed a novel pulsatile drug delivery system using a plant-based polymer plug for controlled theophylline release. The system aims to improve convenience for asthma patients by delivering medication when most needed.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma management requires timely medication delivery for optimal patient outcomes.
- Pulsatile drug delivery systems offer potential for chronotherapy, matching drug release to physiological needs.
- Novel natural polymers present opportunities for developing advanced drug delivery platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a pulsatile drug delivery system for theophylline using a novel swellable polymer plug derived from Delonix regia seeds.
- To investigate the influence of plug thickness and hardness on drug release kinetics.
- To provide a convenient, time-specific drug release for chronic asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- Theophylline microspheres were prepared using the Eudragit S 100 solvent evaporation method.
- Swellable polymer plugs were fabricated from Delonix regia endosperm via direct compression.
- Pulsatile drug delivery capsules were assembled by sealing theophylline microspheres with the polymer plugs.
- In vitro drug release studies were conducted to assess release profiles.
Main Results:
- The pulsatile drug delivery system demonstrated controlled release of theophylline.
- Drug release timing was significantly influenced by the thickness and hardness of the Delonix regia polymer plug.
- The system showed potential for colon-specific drug delivery, dependent on plug characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The Delonix regia-derived polymer is a viable material for creating swellable plugs in pulsatile drug delivery systems.
- The thickness and hardness of the polymer plug are critical parameters for controlling theophylline release rate and timing.
- This novel system offers a promising approach for chronotherapeutic drug delivery in asthma management.
Related Concept Videos
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Drug Release Characteristics
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview

