BioScience Trends. 2015;9(3):213-220. (DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2015.01039)

Preparation and evaluation of gelling granules to improve oral administration.

Ito I, Ito A, Unezaki S


SUMMARY

We investigated the preparation of oral granules that are solid when stored and that will swell and gel via water absorption, to address problems experienced by patients when taking medication. Important physical properties of gelling granules include elasticity that is normally smooth, quick water absorption and swelling properties that allow easy swallowing. We selected gelatin (GEL), succinylated gelatin (SUC-GEL) and ?-carrageenan (CAR) as matrix polymers that can undergo gelation at room temperature or at cold temperatures. Saccharide and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were added to prepare the experimental granules. The best matrix gelling granule was SUC-GEL. When xylitol (XYL), sorbitol (SOR) and maltitol (MAL) were added, elasticity was improved, and PEG improved the granule


KEYWORDS: Polymer, gelling granules, succinylated gelatin, saccharide, polyethylene glycol

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