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Updated: Apr 5, 2026

In vitro Digestion of Emulsions in a Single Droplet via Multi Subphase Exchange of Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids
Published on: November 18, 2022
In silico and in vitro methods to optimize the performance of experimental gastroretentive floating mini-tablets
Veronika A Eberle1, Armella Häring1, Joachim Schoelkopf2
1a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology , University of Basel , Klingelbergstrasse , Basel , Switzerland .
Context:
Development of floating drug delivery systems (FDDS) is challenging. To facilitate this task, an evaluation method was proposed, which allows for a combined investigation of drug release and flotation.
Objective:
It was the aim of the study to use functionalized calcium carbonate (FCC)-based lipophilic mini-tablet formulations as a model system to design FDDS with a floating behavior characterized by no floating lag time, prolonged flotation and loss of floating capability after complete drug release.
Materials And Methods:
Release of the model drug caffeine from the mini-tablets was assessed in vitro by a custom-built stomach model. A cellular automata-based model was used to simulate tablet dissolution. Based on the in silico data, floating forces were calculated and analyzed as a function of caffeine release.
Results And Discussion:
Two floating behaviors were identified for mini-tablets: linear decrease of the floating force and maintaining of the floating capability until complete caffeine release. An optimal mini-tablet formulation with desired drug release time and floating behavior was developed and tested.
Conclusion:
A classification system for a range of varied floating behavior of FDDS was proposed. The FCC-based mini-tablets had an ideal floating behavior: duration of flotation is defined and floating capability decreases after completion of drug release.
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