Formulation And Evaluation Of Floating Microspheres Of Cefdinir

Various approaches have been used to retain the dosage form in the stomach as a way ofincreasing the gastric residence time (GRT), including floatation systems; high-density systems; mucoadhesive systems; magnetic systems; unfoldable, extendible, or swellable systems; andsuperporous hydrogel systems. The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate floatingmicrospheres of cefdinir for the prolongation of gastric residence time. Themicrospheres were prepared byCapillary Extrusion method.A full factorial design was applied to optimize the formulation. The optimum batch of microsphere exhibited smooth surfaces with good flow and packing properties, prolonged sustained drug release, remained buoyant for more than 12 hrs, high entrapment efficiency upto68%.Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the hollown structure with particle size in the order of190 μm. The studies revealed that increase in concentration of gum Karaya increased the drug release from the floating microspheres.

Preparation and evaluation of polymeric beads composed of Chitosan–Gellan Gum–Gum Ghatti/-Gum Karaya polyelectrolyte complexes as polymeric carrier for enteric sustained delivery of Diclofenac sodium

Background An enteric coating is a multistep technique that involves deposition of a polymeric barrier over uncoated orally administered tablets to prevent them from dissolving or disintegrating in the stomach. However, as soon as the coating dissolves in the alkaline environment of intestine, the whole of the drug come in direct contact with gastric mucosa leading to irritation to distal parts of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Considering the above facts, there is clear need to develop a simple and effective enteric release formulation for gastric irritant drugs like Diclofenac sodium (DS). The goal of this study was to create enteric release polymeric polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) beads made up of cationic Chitosan (CH) and anionic Gellan Gum (GG) for sustained DS delivery to the intestine. The beads were prepared by extruding a solution of GG and Gum Ghatti (GT) or GG and Gum Karaya (GK) bearing DS into CH solution in 1% w/v acetic acid, with the help of a syringe fitted with a 18 gauge hypodermic needle. Results Instantly created spherical beads were dried in a hot air oven 60 °C overnight. In 0.1 M HCl and 6.8 pH phosphate buffer, the dried beads were tested for drug entrapment in the beads, in vitro swelling of beads and in vitro drug release studies from the beads. The % drug entrapment efficiencies (% DEE) of these PEC beads ranged from 59.54 ± 2.09 to 81.03 ± 4.22%. In 0.1 M HCl, the PEC beads swelled the least in vitro, but expanded significantly in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). The in vitro release of Diclofenac sodium from different PEC beads in 0.1 M HCl was found to be less than 7.5 percent, whereas the release was sustained for 6 h in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Conclusions From the experimental data, it may be concluded that these PEC beads can be useful as potential multiple-unit enteric release polymeric carrier systems for sustained delivery of gastric irritant drugs like Diclofenac sodium.

Development and Evaluation of Floating Sustained Release Bilayer Tablets Containing Dothiepin HCl

Bilayer floating tablets of Dothiepin HCL were developed by direct compression method. Immediate release layer contains 30 mg of drug and super disintegrant sodium starch glycolate, serves the purpose of loading dose. Sustained release layer contained HPMC K4M, natural polymers like xanthan gum, guar gum, karaya gum release the drug for 12 hours’ time. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid are used to produce effervescence. Floating lag time of optimized tablet is 92 sec, whereas floating duration is more than 12 hours. FTIR results revealed that there was no interaction between drug and HPMC K4M / xanthan gum. The post compression parameters of developed tablets were found to be satisfactory. In this study, it was confirmed that the formulations containing HPMC K4M, have shown better floating properties and finally the formulation containing a combination of HPMC K4M and xanthan gum in 3:1 ratio, has exhibited decent sustained drug release properties. The release kinetics of optimized formulation prepared with the combination of HPMC K4M and xanthan gum followed zero order kinetics. Keywords: Floating Bilayer Tablet, Dothiepin HCL, HPMC K4M, Xanthan Gum, FTIR.

A novel and cleaner bio-polymer Gum Karaya-based Silica nanocomposite fracturing fluid for high-temperature application

A novel polymer nanocomposite has been synthesized in the present study using a bio-polymer Karaya and inorganic SiO2 nanoparticles via sonication for application as a fracturing fluid in stimulating oil and gas wells. Gum Karaya (KG), an acidic polysaccharide, has been investigated for its structural, morphological and rheological characteristics, and the results have been compared with prepared KG–SiO2 nanocomposite at different SiO2 dosing for improved structure, viscoelasticity, viscosity and temperature stability. Steady shear rheology test depicted pseudoplastic nature, while oscillatory study confirms gel characteristics and weak dependence of storage and loss moduli on frequency for all the prepared samples. Dominance of elasticity over viscous nature of the gel assures efficient solid transporting/suspending capability. Experimental results showed that the rheological characteristics of the synthesized gel is comparable with Guar and CMHPG over the shear and temperature ranges under study and suitable for temperatures above 150 °C and pressure conditions. Also, polymer breaking and sandpack regained permeability tests proved synthesized gels to be a cleaner with less residue as compared to the other two.

How Commercially important Tree Gum Exudates can be differentiated

The commercially important tree gum exudates produced in India are gum Arabic, gum ghatti and gum karaya or Indian gum tragacanth. These gums, available in the market, are often adulterated by many other natural gums which may be inferior in quality. Therefore, identification of these gums is very essential to minimize the adulteration by comparing their physical and chemical properties. The study shows that among these properties, solubility, viscosity and colour can be used along with confirmatory chemical tests for differentiating commercial gums. The paper highlights the details of physical properties of the gums and chemical tests to differentiate between these gums.

Role of Non-Timber Forest Products in Rural Economy of Farmers

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), also known as non-wood forest products (NWFPs) and secondary forest products are useful substances obtained from forests. The key feature of NTFP’s is the continuous flow of returns against timber returns that are available intermittently at an interval of rotation period. An estimated 80% of the population of the developing world uses NWFP to meet some of their health and nutritional needs. NTFPs provide greater opportunities to the people by providing employment in the lean agriculture season. Most of the activities pertaining to NTFPs like collection, processing, transportation, marketing etc. are labour intensive and provide employment. India holds monopoly in world trade over some of the natural resins and gums such as lac, gum karaya and guar gum. Tribals derive 20-40% of their annual income from minor forest produce on which they spend major portion of their time. It has been established that a number of tribal, rural and forest department communities derive a significant part of their needs, income food and nutrition. The edible NTFPs play an important role in food & nutritional security of rural people. However, due to number of factors like destruction of natural habitat, fluctuating prices, population growth is hindering the development of NTFPs.