AVICEL RC-591/CHITOSAN BEADS BY EXTRUSION-SPHERONIZATION TECHNOLOGY

Beads were successfully prepared using the combination of Avicel RC-591 and chitosan using extrusion and spheronization technology. The effects of different viscosity grades of chitosan (SEACURE 142, 242, 342 and 442) on bead formation and on release profiles were examined using acetaminophen as a model drug. Incorporation of higher viscosity grades of chitosan yielded beads with rough surfaces and slower release characteristics. Seacure 342 was chosen for further studies using acetaminophen and theophylline as model drugs of different solubilities. Beads were prepared with varying proportions of Seacure 342 and Avicel RC-591 (20% drug loading). Drug release from the beads varied with the dissolution method used. Beads were swollen in 0.1 N HCl while the bead structure remained intact. In water, the beads exhibited gel-like structures.