Formulation of Microwave-Assisted Natural-Synthetic Polymer Composite Film and Its Physicochemical Characterization

This study is aimed at microwave-assisted synthesis of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and Eudragit L100 composite film and its physicochemical characterization. The film was developed with varying quantities of each polymer and treated with microwave at a fixed frequency of 2450 MHz with a power of 350 Watts for 60 and 120 s. All formulations were characterized for thickness/weight uniformity, moisture adsorption, erosion and water uptake, tensile strength, and vibrational, thermal, and surface morphological analysis in comparison with untreated film samples. Results indicated that microwave treatment for 60 s significantly improved the tensile strength, reduced the water adsorption, delayed erosion, and reduced the water uptake in comparison with the untreated and 120 s treated film formulations. The vibrational analysis revealed rigidification of hydrophilic domains at OH/NH moiety and fluidization of hydrophobic domains at asymmetric and symmetric CH moieties, which is envisaged to be due to the formation of new linkages between the two polymers. These were later confirmed by thermal analysis where a significant rise in transition temperature, as well as enthalpy of the system, was recorded. The microwave treatment for 60 s is thus advocated to be the best treatment condition for developing sodium carboxymethylcellulose and Eudragit L100 composite polymeric films.

Characterization of Hydrophilic Polymers as a Syringe Extrusion 3D Printing Material for Orodispersible Film

The application of hydrophilic polymers in designing and three-dimensional (3D) printing of pharmaceutical products in various dosage forms has recently been paid much attention. Use of hydrophilic polymers and syringe extrusion 3D printing technology in the fabrication of orodispersible films (ODFs) might hold great potential in rapid drug delivery, personalized medicine, and manufacturing time savings. In this study, the feasibility of 3D-printed ODFs fabrication through a syringe extrusion 3D printing technique and using five different hydrophilic polymers (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E15, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E50, high methoxyl pectin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose) as film-forming polymers and printing materials has been investigated. Rheology properties and printability of printing gels and physicochemical and mechanical properties of 3D-printed ODFs were evaluated. Amongst the investigated hydrophilic polymers, sodium carboxymethylcellulose at a concentration of 5% w/v (SCMC-5) showed promising results with a good printing resolution and accurate dimensions of the 3D-printed ODFs. In addition, SCMC-5 3D-printed ODFs exhibited the fastest disintegration time within 3 s due to high wettability, roughness and porosity on the surface. However, the results of the mechanical properties study showed that SCMC-5 3D printed ODFs were rigid and brittle, thus requiring special packaging to prevent them from any damage before practical use.

Evaluation of Antacid Potential of Ayurvedic Poly-Herbal Formulation for Functional Dyspepsia

Aim: Ayurveda describes herbal or polyherbal or herbo-mineral medicines such as Avipattikar churna for treatment of Amlapitta, ajirna for centuries. Ayurvedic medicines are associated with limitations namely, palatability, stability and accuracy of dose. Ayurvedic medicines lack in adequate safety and efficacy evidence data. The aim of the study was to develop a stable and palatable Avipattikar suspension using recent formulation and analytical techniques. The study was also aimed at determination of acid neutralizing capacity of Avipattikar suspension and predicting its efficacy for treatment of Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. Methods: Flocculated Avipattikar suspension was prepared using sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as the suspending agent, sodium citrate as the flocculating agent, mannitol as a taste masking agent. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium citrate, Tween 80®, glycerin and mannitol were not used in Deflocculated Avipattikar suspension. The sedimentation volume, degree of flocculation, redispersibility and pH of the suspension was evaluated. The acid neutralization capacity of Avipattikar suspension was determined by Unite States Pharmacopoeia method. Results: The present study successfully demonstrated formulation of stable Avipattikar suspension from Avipattikar churna. The suspendability of sediment was retained for 15 days in presence of CMC. The results indicated that the acid neutralizing capacity of Avipattikar suspension (2.80 mMol of H+/ gm) was similar to that of the marketed antacid suspension (2.756 mMol of H+/ gm). The unpleasant taste of herbal drugs was masked satisfactorily. Conclusion: Avipattikar suspension may be a cheaper, safer and effective alternative for current antacids for the treatment of functional dyspepsia.