Hydrophilic matrices are most commonly used for the extended delivery of drug substances. The drug is embedded in a matrix containing a swellable polymer. The most frequently used polymer is a non-ionic cellulose derivative – hypromellose. The rate of drug release from tablets depends on polymer swelling, gel formation rate and gel structure, while the release itself is carried out via diffusion and erosion mechanisms. Examination of drug release from hypromellose matrices revealed that polymer characteristics have a significant impact on release rate and mechanism. The aim of the master’s thesis was to explore the effects of viscosity, particle size and degree of hydroxpropoxy groups on the hypromellose polymer chain on the release rate of a water-soluble model drug. The effect was examined on the tablets that contained hypromellose with different values of three functionality-related characteristics. Dissolution testing was carried out using two dissolution apparatus – USP 3 (reciprocating cylinder) and USP 2 (paddle and felodipine stationary basket). Different apparatus led to different release profiles, confirming the importance of choosing the right method for determining the release rate. The release profiles obtained indicated that particle size (USP 3) and content of hydroxypropoxy groups (USP 2) have the biggest impact on drug release. The tablets containing larger hypromellose particles (and smaller specific surface area) have faster release profiles. A higher content of hypromellose hydroxypropoxy groups results in faster drug release; on the other hand, the use of different viscosity grades revealed that viscosity does not have a significant impact on drug release from the formulation tested by two different methods. The tablets were prepared both by direct compression and wet granulation methods, enabling us to evaluate the technological manufacturing process. We concluded that the drug from directly compressed tablets has fast initial release and, what is more, that release rate at the end of the process is faster than in the case of the tablets made by wet granulation. Initial erosion prior to the formation of gel layer has a stronger contribution to the amount of the released drug in the case of directly compressed tablets. Finally, the choice of the technological process and hypromellose characteristics have a significant impact on drug release, while smart design of hydrophilic matrices can result in robust release profile.
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