A ceramic system for continuous release of acetylsalicylic acid

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Materials Science

Background:

• Resorbable ceramics offer potential for controlled drug release.
• Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) is a well-established resorbable ceramic material.
• Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a widely used anti-inflammatory drug.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the release kinetics of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) from a beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) resorbable ceramic matrix (RCM).
• To evaluate the effect of compression load and drug dosage on ASA release.
• To determine the feasibility of using TCP RCMs for sustained ASA delivery.

Main Methods:

• Mixtures of ASA and TCP were compressed at varying loads (2000-4000 lbs) and drug concentrations.
• Drug release was monitored in Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4, 0.5M) at 37°C over seven days.
• ASA concentrations in release media were quantified spectrophotometrically at 245 nm.

Main Results:

• Compression load did not significantly affect the amount of ASA released.
• Linear release of ASA was observed when the ceramic/ASA ratio was approximately 6.67:1.
• Sustained release of ASA was achieved over the seven-day study period.

Conclusions:

• Resorbable TCP ceramics are suitable for the continuous delivery of acetylsalicylic acid.
• The ceramic-to-drug ratio is a critical factor influencing drug release linearity.
• TCP RCMs show promise for developing sustained-release aspirin formulations.