Preparation and Evaluation of Ternary Polymeric Blends for Controlled Release Matrices Containing Weakly Basic Model...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Developing effective drug delivery systems for weakly basic drugs is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
• Smart polymers offer potential for controlled and sustained drug release profiles.
• Metronidazole is a widely used antibiotic, necessitating optimized delivery methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the suitability of a ternary polymer mixture (Eudragit®E100, Eudragit®L100, sodium alginate) as a sustained release carrier.
• To evaluate the drug release kinetics of Metronidazole from these polymer matrices.
• To determine the critical polymer ratios for controlled drug release.

Main Methods:

• Matrix tablets were formulated using direct compression or wet granulation.
• Dissolution studies were performed using USP apparatus across three pH stages (1.2, 4.8, 6.8).
• Swelling studies were conducted to correlate with dissolution behavior.

Main Results:

• Formulations with low to intermediate sodium alginate and balanced Eudragit® proportions significantly modified drug release rates.
• Controlled drug release for up to 12 hours was achievable, contingent on specific polymer ratios.
• The ratios of sodium alginate to total Eudragit® polymers and Eudragit®E100 to Eudragit®L100 were critical factors.

Conclusions:

• Ternary polymer compositions are significant in controlling the release of Metronidazole.
• Swelling behavior correlated well with observed dissolution profiles.
• The developed polymer system shows promise for sustained delivery of weakly basic drugs.