Spray-dried chitinosans. Part II: in vitro drug release from tablets made from spray-dried chitinosans.
OBJECTIVE
Application of spray-dried chitinosans as excipients for use in drug delivery systems was explored.


METHODS
Spray- and tray-dried chitinosans previously N-deacetylated and depolymerized were used. Directly compressed tablets (200mg) containing tetracycline, chitinosan, and magnesium stearate were prepared. The tablets were characterized for dimensions, weight, friability, crushing strengths, disintegration, and dissolution.


RESULTS
The tablet weights, thickness, and diameters were not affected by the chitinosan selected (P>0.05). Friability of tablets containing tray-dried chitinosans was generally higher (and crushing strengths were lower) than tablets containing spray-dried chitinosans. Chitinosan molecular weight, degree of N-deacetylation, and drying method used, significantly affected crushing strengths (P<0.0001). Disintegration times were affected only by the type of chitinosan (P<0.0001) but not by the drying method used (P>0.9). Dissolution from tablets was significantly affected by the chitinosan type (P<0.025), but not affected by the drying method (P>0.5).


CONCLUSIONS
Spray drying improved binding functionality of chitinosans, thereby enhancing the tablet crushing strength; however, friability, disintegration, and dissolution profiles were not significantly affected. The data obtained from this study support the usefulness of spray-dried chitinosans as excipients for use in drug delivery systems.
Rege
Pankaj R
PR
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA. pankaj.rege@bms.com
Garmise
Robert J
RJ
Block
Lawrence H
LH
D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D048271:Chitosan; D013607:Tablets; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*
D013607:Tablets; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan