THE EFFECT OF HYDROXYPROPYLMETHYLCELLULOSE ON WATER PENETRATION INTO A MATRIX SYSTEM

The action of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) on aqueous penetration into matrices containing HPMC of varying viscosity and concentration was studied. The incorporation of HPMC into ibuprofen matrices improved wetting and enhanced water uptake into the matrices. A large volume of water uptake was obtained with a greater amount of HPMC used. A higher molecular weight HPMC has greater intrinsic water uptake property than that of a lower molecular weight. The action of HPMC on aqueous uptake depends on the molecular weight of HPMC. HPMC can be divided into two groups according to its molecular weight. Depending on which group is used in the matrix, increasing the viscosity of HPMC within each group can either increase or decrease the water uptake into the matrices.