Effect of modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes on release characteristics of indomethacin from symmetric membrane coated tablets

In this study, symmetric membrane coated tablets were prepared to control delivery of drug in oral osmotic pump system. Effects of various preparation parameters such as concentration of the polymer, concentration of the pore former, thickness of membrane and presence of carbon nanotubes as additives on the permeability and the release characteristics of indomethacin drug was evaluated. The main purpose of this research was to inspect capability of using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in drug delivery membranes systems for improving the release rate. The results indicate that addition of virgin MWCNTs in coating solution undesirably decreases the rate of indomethacin release, because MWCNTs tend to agglomerate and make bundles in solution. However, addition of low amounts of functionalized MWCNTs (0.01 wt.%) to cellulose acetate (CA) increased the release rate and improved zero order release pattern of indomethacin. This was attributed to increasing hydrophilicity and changing structure and porosity of the membranes by blending functionalized MWCNTs. The coated membrane on the tablet was broken in higher content of oxidized MWCNTs. Addition of acid oxidized MWCNTs (0.01 wt.% with respect to CA) in coating solution containing 5 wt.% CA and 10 wt.% PEG; and membrane thickness of 500 μm was adopted as a suitable formulation.

► MWCNTs blend membrane coated tablet was prepared to control delivery rate of drug.
► By increasing PEG 400 amount as plasticizer, the drug release rate was increased.
► Mixing of virgin MWCNTs decreased indomethacin release rate due to agglomeration.
► Addition of functionalized MWCNTs to cellulose acetate improved the release rate.
► The coated membrane on the tablet was broken at higher content of oxidized MWCNTs.