Chitosan-pectin polyelectrolyte complex as a carrier for colon targeted drug delivery

The objective of present work was to prepare a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) between chitosan (polycation) & pectin (polyanion) and to develop enteric coated tablets for colon delivery using the PEC.

The PECs were prepared using different concentrations of chitosan and pectin. Drug loaded enteric coated tablets were prepared by wet granulation method using PEC to sustain the release at colon and coating was done with Eudragit S 100 to prevent the early release of the drug in stomach and intestine. Two independent variable, % PEC (chitosan/pectin) and % coating were optimized by 3(2) full factorial design. Statistical model were also used to supplement the optimization. DSC was performed to confirm the interaction between the polyions. Developed formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, % swelling, assay, in-vitro and ex-vivo drug release studies to investigate the PEC's ability to deliver the drug to colon. Ex-vivo release study using rat caecal content was also carried out on optimized formulation.

DSC results confirmed chitosan/pectin interaction and subsequent formation of PEC. The optimized formulation containing 1.1% of PEC and 3% of coating showed highest swelling and release in alkaline pH mechanism of which was found to be microbial enzyme dependent degradation established by ex-vivo study using rat caecal content.