Effect of Drug Loading Method on Drug Content and Drug Release from Calcium Pectinate Gel Beads

Drug-loaded calcium pectinate gel (CaPG) beads were prepared by either mixing, absorption, or swelling method. The effects of drug loading method as well as the drug loading factors (i.e., drug concentration, soaking time in drug solution, type of solvent) on drug content and drug release were investigated. The amount of drug uptake (i.e., drug content) into CaPG beads increased as the initial drug concentration increased and varied depending on the loading method. The in vitro release studies in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pH 6.8 buffer indicated that the drug loading method affected drug release and release parameter, time for 50% of drug release (T ₅₀). The mixing method provided a faster drug release and lower T ₅₀ than the absorption method and swelling method, respectively. This is probably due to higher drug content in CaPG beads. The increased concentration of drug in soaking solution and soaking time resulted in higher drug content and thus faster drug release (lower in T ₅₀ values). When using 0.1 N HCl as solvent for soaking instead of water, the drug release was slower owing to the increase in molecular tortuosity of CaPG beads. The drug release was also affected by pH of the release medium in which drug release in 0.1 N HCl was faster than in pH 6.8 buffer.