Tapioca starch graft copolymers and Dome Matrix modules assembling technology. I. Effect of module shape on drug...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Technology

Background:

• Dome Matrix technology utilizes compressed disc modules for drug delivery.
• Graft copolymers like tapioca starch-ethylmethacrylate (TSEMA) and tapioca hydroxypropylstarch-ethylmethacrylate (THSEMA) are explored for controlled release applications.
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a common matrix-forming polymer for drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the Riboflavin release profiles from Dome Matrix modules fabricated using TSEMA and THSEMA copolymers.
• To evaluate the influence of different drying methods and module shapes (female and male) on drug release kinetics.
• To compare the release behavior of these novel copolymer matrices with traditional HPMC matrices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of compressed disc modules using TSEMA and THSEMA graft copolymers and HPMC.
• Compression molding of two interlocking module shapes (female and male) for potential assemblage.
• In vitro drug release studies of Riboflavin from the module matrices.
• Analysis of release data using the Korsmeyer-Peppas exponential equation to determine drug release mechanisms.
• Assessment of matrix integrity and structural changes post-dissolution.

Main Results:

• HPMC matrices demonstrated quasi-linear Riboflavin release, faster than TSEMA modules, and underwent complete dissolution.
• THSEMA modules exhibited faster Riboflavin release compared to HPMC, with release primarily governed by diffusion.
• TSEMA matrices remained largely intact post-release, indicating diffusion-controlled release, while THSEMA matrices showed increased erosion but maintained structural coherence.
• Module porosity, tortuosity, and shape significantly influenced the observed drug release patterns.

Conclusions:

• TSEMA and THSEMA copolymers offer tunable drug release properties for Dome Matrix technology.
• Drug release mechanisms differ significantly between HPMC (relaxation/erosion) and TSEMA/THSEMA (diffusion-dominated).
• THSEMA copolymers provide a faster, yet coherent, release profile compared to TSEMA, suggesting potential for specific therapeutic needs.
• The study highlights the importance of copolymer composition, processing, and module design in controlling drug release kinetics.