Basic butylated methacrylate copolymer/kappa-carrageenan interpolyelectrolyte complex: Preparation, characterization and drug release behaviour

H. J. PRADO; M. C. MATULEWICZ; P. BONELLI; A. L. CUKIERMAN

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS

Elsevier B.V.

Lugar: Oxford, Gran Bretaña; Año: 2008 vol. 70 p. 171 - 178

0939-6411

The formation of a novel interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) between basic butylated methacrylate copolymer and kappa-carrageenan was investigated and the product formed was characterized. Turbidity measurements and elemental analyses pointed to a 1:1 interaction of the repeating units. These results and FT-IR confirmed IPEC formation. Electronic microscopy images, particle size determination by image analysis and N2 (77 K) adsorption measurements were consistent with a porous material.  This IPEC formed presented very good flowability and compactibility. Two maxima were observed in the swelling behaviour as a function of pH. The performance of the IPEC as a matrix for controlled release of drugs was evaluated, using ibuprofen as a model drug. Release profiles were properly represented by a mathematical model, which indicates that the system releases ibuprofen in a zero order manner. These profiles could be controlled by conveniently modifying the proportion of the IPEC in the tablets.