Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine and Biotechnology 2015-02-01

Gastro retention using polymer cocoons.

Julien Arnold, David Hunkeler

Index: Artif. Cells. Nanomed. Biotechnol. 43(1) , 26-32, (2015)

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Abstract

A gastro-retentive capsule has been prepared which is retained in the stomach for a period of 24h, providing a vehicle for the controlled delivery to the upper intestines. These "gastro cocoons" can resist passage through the sphincter of the stomach, and can retain a high drug payload (30%). They are made from oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and can swell to twice their initial volume. They are strong and also can resist 550 N of compressive force. They are based on filled pharmaceutical capsules which are visible to X-rays. Using ambroxol hydrochloride as a model drug linear, zero-order, release curves were obtained.