title: Use of chitosan-alginate as alternative pelletization aid to microcrystalline cellulose in extrusion/spheronization.
abstract: Two types of different molecular weight chitosan were investigated as a pelletization aid in extrusion/spheronization using water as granulation liquid. Spherical pellets with a maximum fraction of 60% w/w chitosan could be produced when 1.25-2.5% w/w sodium alginate was included in the formulations with no microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Chitosan with lower molecular weight of 190 kDa showed a better pellet forming property. The pellets obtained had acceptable physical characteristics and a fast drug release. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and (13)C CP-MAS nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the formation of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) between chitosan and sodium alginate, which might be a reason for successful pelletization by extrusion/spheronization. Moreover, the presence of PEC might influence the physical characteristics and dissolution behavior of chitosan-alginate pellets. The results indicated an achievement in production of pellets by extrusion/spheronization without using MCC. Moreover, chitosan combined with sodium alginate could be used as a promising alternative pelletization aid to MCC in extrusion/spheronization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Sri-Ayudhya Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
authors.forename: Nattawut
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Charoenthai
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kleinebudde
authors.forename: Satit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Puttipipatkhachorn
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D004339:Drug Compounding; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry*; D006244:Hardness; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010316:Particle Size; D014783:Viscosity; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D005079:Excipients; D014867:Water; D000082:Acetaminophen; D002482:Cellulose; D048271:Chitosan; C109691:microcrystalline cellulose