Search

The ileocolonic-targeted delivery of vitamins can establish beneficial alterations in gut microbial composition. Here, we describe the development of capsules containing riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and ascorbic acid covered with a pH-sensitive coating (ColoVit) to establish site-specific release in the ileocolon. Ingredient properties (particle size distribution, morphology) relevant for formulation and product quality were determined. Capsule content and the in vitro release behaviour were determined using a HPLC-method. Uncoated and coated validation batches were produced. Release characteristics were evaluated using a gastro-intestinal simulation system. All capsules met the required specifications. The contents of the ingredients were in the 90.0–120.0% range, and uniformity requirements were met. In the dissolution test a lag-time in drug release of 277–283 min was found, which meets requirements for ileocolonic release. The release itself is immediate as shown by dissolution of the vitamins of more than 75% in 1 h. The production process of the ColoVit formulation was validated and reproducible, it was shown that the vitamin blend was stable during the production process and in the finished coated product. The ColoVit is intended as an innovative treatment approach for beneficial microbiome modulation and optimization of gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swallowing problems and the required dose adaptations needed to obtain optimal pharmacotherapy may be a hurdle in the use of tablets in daily clinical practice. Tablet splitting, crushing, or grinding is often applied to personalise medication, especially for the elderly and children. In this study, the performance of different types of (commercially available) devices was studied. Included were splitters, screwcap crushers, manual grinders, and electric grinders. Unscored tablets without active ingredient were prepared, with a diameter of 9 and 13 mm and a hardness of 100–220 N. Tablets were split into two parts and the difference in weight was measured. The time needed to pulverise the tablets (crush time) was recorded. The residue remaining in the device (loss) was measured. The powder was sieved to obtain a particle fraction >600 µm and <600 µm. The median particle size and particle size distribution of the later fraction were determined using laser diffraction analysis. Splitting tablets into two equal parts appeared to be difficult with the devices tested. Most screwcap grinders yielded a coarse powder containing larger chunks. Manual and especially electric grinders produced a finer powder, making it suitable for administration via an enteral feeding tube as well as for use in individualised preparations such as capsules. In conclusion, for domestic and incidental use, a screwcap crusher may provide sufficient size reduction, while for the more demanding regular use in hospitals and nursing residences, a manual or electric grinder is preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. As an effect of their plastic deformation behavior, ductile materials create a large surface for bonding during compaction. However, a serious drawback is their high lubricant sensitivity, preventing the formation of strong bonds. The purpose of this study was both an increase in compactibility and a reduction of the lubricant sensitivity of ductile filler-binders by using hollow particles. This was illustrated for inulin. Methods. Both solid and hollow inulin particles were prepared by spray-drying. Unlubricated tablets and tablets containing 0.5% magnesium stearate were compressed in a compaction simulator, operating at 300 mm/s. The tablet crushing strength was determined with a Schleuniger apparatus. Results. The compaction of unlubricated, solid inulin particles showed that the product had good compatibility. This was caused by plastic deformation of the ductile, amorphous material under load, creating a large surface for bonding. After lubrication, however, the bonding properties decreased significantly, which was caused by the presence of a lubricant film. Hollow inulin particles have an increased compactibility as compared with solid particles and a strongly reduced lubricant sensitivity. Scanning electron micrographs show that hollow particles fragment before they start plastic deformation. This fragmentation behavior is supported by tablet surface area measurements and calculation of the buckling strength. This effect was responsible for both a higher crushing strength and a lower lubricant sensitivity as compared with solid inulin particles. Conclusions. Compactibility of inulin particles can be increased, and lubricant sensitivity can be decreased by using hollow instead of solid particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of oropharyngeal Candida infections. However, for an effective therapeutic treatment an appropriate dosage form is required. Therefore a mucoadhesive tablet for buccal application was developed. Tablets of sufficient strength could be produced on high speed tabletting machines, but they could only be obtained when the protein contained at least 7% moisture. The tablet contained sodium alginate both for its release-controlling properties as well as for its mucoadhesive properties. Furthermore, phosphate buffer was added to keep the pH of the saliva in the mouth within the range of 6.5 to 7.5. In this pH range, Lf has shown to have its highest activity against Candida growth inhibition. The tablet formulation containing Lf had the same antifungal properties as compared with Lf alone, because in most cases identical inhibitory concentrations were observed against several clinical isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. In human volunteers the tablets, containing 250 mg Lf and placed in each pouch, were able to keep the Lf concentration in the saliva at effective levels for at least 2 hr, while the pH of the saliva remained within the desired range. We concluded that the developed mucoadhesive tablet can improve the therapeutic efficacy of Lf and that it is suitable for further clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]