Evaluation of the swelling behaviour of iota-carrageenan in monolithic matrix tablets

• The swellable matrices have become a popular solid dosage form for controlled release drug delivery systems.
• Study of the swelling behaviour of these systems therefore plays an important role in the prediction of the drug release profile.
• We studied the swelling properties of matrix tablets (swelling force and the kinetic of swelling process).

The swelling properties of monolithic matrix tablets containing iota-carrageenan were studied at different pH values, with measurements of the swelling force and characterization of the profile of the swelling curve. The swelling force meter was linked to a PC by an RS232 cable and the measured data were evaluated with self-developed software. The monitor displayed the swelling force vs. time curve with the important parameters, which could be fitted with an Analysis menu. In the case of iota-carrageenan matrix tablets, it was concluded that the pH and the pressure did not influence the swelling process, and the first section of the swelling curve could be fitted by the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation.

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