Programmable drug delivery from an erodible association polymer system

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Investigating erodible polymer systems for controlled drug release.
• Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and Pluronic F127 blends offer potential for rate-programmed drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate CAP/Pluronic F127 blends for rate-programmed drug delivery.
• To characterize blend compatibility, thermal properties, and drug release kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for compatibility and thermal analysis.
• In vitro drug release and polymer erosion studies using theophylline as a model drug on a rotating-disk apparatus.
• Multilaminate sample design for achieving pulsatile drug release patterns.

Main Results:

• Blends are compatible above 50% CAP, with molecular association confirmed by FTIR.
• Polymer erosion and theophylline release rates increase with Pluronic F127 concentration.
• At pH 4, release is diffusion-controlled; at pH 7.4, release is surface erosion-controlled.

Conclusions:

• CAP/Pluronic F127 blends are suitable for rate-programmed drug delivery.
• Tunable erosion and release profiles can be achieved by adjusting blend composition and pH.
• The system demonstrates potential for achieving pulsatile drug release through controlled erosion.