Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive microcapsules of pantoprazole sodium

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to design site specific controlled release mucoadhesive micro beads containing

pantoprazole sodium for the treatment of digestive ulcers. Novel Sodium alginate beads containing pantoprazole

sodium were successfully prepared by ion tropic gelation technique with mucoadhesive polymers during

formulation. Sodium alginate (SA), sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC), Methyl cellulose (MC) and Hydroxy

propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) were suitable biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic polymers for preparing

intestinal mucoadhesive beads. These includes no risk of dose dumping, flexibility of blending units with different

release patterns, relative merits of bioavailability more consistent blood levels, reproducible and all or none effects.

Nine formulations were prepared and labelled as F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, and F9. Overall, the mucoadhesive

beads provided a prolonged and controlled release that would be beneficial for therapy of digestive ulcers. The %

yield of all batches was found to be in the ranges of 97.14–99.33%. The mean particle size was obtained in the range

of 927.54 – 1012.32µm and 955.36 – 1041.29µm for uncoated and coated beads respectively. Mucoadhesion test

showed a significant effect on mucoadhesive property. The greater the polymer concentration associated with

mucoadhesive alginate matrix, greater will be the adhesion. An increase in drug load has no effect on mucoadhesive

property.