Cellulase as an “active” excipient in prolonged-release HPMC matrices: A novel strategy towards zero-order release kinetics

Hydrophilic matrices are of utmost interest for oral prolonged release drugs. However, they show decreasing rate over time, mainly due to lengthening the diffusional pathway across gel formed upon glass-rubber transition polymer. Therefore, achievement zero-order kinetics, which could reflect in constant drug plasma levels, is still an open issue. With aim improving performance hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) systems, use cellulolytic enzymes was proposed aid erosion swollen matrix, thereby counteracting decrease particularly toward end process. The effectiveness this strategy evaluated by studying mass loss and tracer from tableted consisting high-viscosity HPMC (Methocel® K4M), Acetaminophen increasing amounts (0.5–10% on HPMC) a product (Sternzym® C13030). A faster progressive shift linearity overall profiles were observed as function enzyme concentration. Release markedly linear containing 5 10% Sternzym® C13030. In partially coated with these cellulase concentrations, such results agreement data swelling front movement, exhibited early long-lasting synchronization.