PRODUCTION OF EXTRUDATES USING CHITOSAN AS BINDER FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ACETAMINOPHEN

Chitosan is obtained by N-de-acetylation from chitin, the second most common natural polymer. Chitosan has recently emerged in the biomedical and pharmaceutical field for its biological compatibility, bio-degradation and non-toxic properties; and also for numerous delivery systems, for oral application or production of tablets, microparticles, beads and pellets. Its polymeric cationic character, gel and film forming ability, bio-adhesiveness and penetration enhancer properties make chitosan very interesting in several different technological applications. The focus of the present study was to produce pellets as a multi-particulate system for a controlled release of acetaminophen using chitosan as main component for its binding and gelling properties. Granules were obtained by extrusion, one of the main manufacturing methods used for production of multiparticulate controlled-release dosage forms. The final material was analysed for its weight loss, by thermal analysis and in vitro release of the drug. In present study chitosan is employed together with cornstarch and microcrystalline cellulose, used because in a formulation will produce a plastic mass, which is easily deformed and extrudes at low pressures.