Wet Granulation Approach for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery: Formulation and Assessment of Ibuprofen Matrix Tablets with a Blend of Natural Gums

Abstract

Using a combination of natural polysaccharides, such as natural gum produced from two types of okra called Abelmoschus esculentus and Abelmoschus officinalis under research as carriers, an unique colon focused matrix tablet formulation was created. Utilizing Ibuprofen as a model medication, five distinct tablet formulations were created using the wet granulation process. The formulation containing 100 mg of Ibuprofen had matrix tablets with varying amounts of gum mix. FTIR was used to analyse the hardness, weight fluctuation, friability, drug content, thickness, and diameter of the prepared matrix tablets. Additionally, in vitro drug release experiments and swelling index investigations were conducted on matrix tablets. To replicate circumstances from mouth to colon, the release tests were conducted for 2 hours in pH 1.2 Hcl buffer, 3 hours in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, and 5 hours in simulated colonic fluid. With the use of UV/visible spectroscopy, the medication release from the tablets was tracked. Based on in vitro drug release studies that demonstrated a minimum of 23.56±1.58 percent, 19.89±0.59 percent, 14.28±2.76 percent, 18.81±0.38 percent, and 9.35±1.28 percent of drug release in the first five hours of study, respectively, WGF3, WGF5, and WGF3 were selected as the optimal formulations for additional research. These formulations have demonstrated a maximal release of 53.56±1.15 percent for WGF3 and 50.38±1.08 percent for WGF5 in 5 hours when in the presence of rat caecal medium. As a result, the natural gum mix (AOEG) under study is extremely effective and efficient and has the potential to be a drug delivery vehicle that is specific to the colon. These formulations have demonstrated a maximal release of 53.56±1.15 percent for WGF3 and 50.38±1.08 percent for WGF5 in 5 hours when in the presence of rat caecal medium. As a result, the natural gum mix (AOEG) under study is extremely effective and efficient and has the potential to be a drug delivery vehicle that is specific to the colon.