A novel plug-controlled colon-specific pulsatile capsule with tablet of curcumin-loaded SMEDDS

作者:Huang, Yuanrui; Tian, Rui; Hu, Wenjing; Jia, Yuntao; Zhang, Jingqing; Jiang, Huiming; Zhang, Liangke*
来源:Carbohydrate Polymers, 2013, 92(2): 2218-2223.
DOI:10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.11.105

摘要

This study developed and evaluated a colon-specific pulsatile capsule with tablet of self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). This system is based on an impermeable capsule containing a rapid-disintegrating curcumin-loaded SMEDDS tablet inside it, and a highly methoxylated pectin (H-pectin)/lactose tablet plugged in the capsule mouth. The SMEDDS tablet enhanced the solubility of curcumin, a water-insoluble drug. An in vitro release study of the pulsatile capsule showed a typical pulsatile release profile with a specific lag time. The lag time, which determines the efficiency of colon-specific delivery, could be regulated by varying the H-pectin/lactose ratio. Pectinase and rat cecal contents added to the release medium significantly shortened the erosion time, which proved that the H-pectin plug is sensitive to enzyme degradation. These results show that the pulsatile capsule with SMEDDS tablet has potential for the colon-specific delivery of water-insoluble drugs.

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