Controlled Release and Stabilization of Cefaclor from Alginate-based Matrices for Oral Delivery Design

Alginate based polymeric matrices were designed for controlled release and stabilization of cefaclor in gastrointestinal fluid. Cefaclor is known to be acid stable and subjected to be degraded at neutral and alkaline pHs. In order to achieve an effective release profile of cefaclor in gastrointestinal tract, a particular strategy in dosage form design should be required from the view point of maintaining its activity. The amphiphilic nature of cefaclor allowed its controlled release using ionic polymers based on ionic interaction between the drug and polymers. The thrust of this study was to develop a technique that delivers cefaclor keeping effective release rate in the intestinal tract. Considering the fast degradation of cefaclor in the intestinal fluid, the matrices were designed to release surplus amount of cefaclor. The alginate based matrices demonstrated increase in release rate in the simulated intestinal fluid, which was favorable to compensate the degraded portion of cefaclor. In addition, stabilization of cefaclor in the intestinal fluid was obtained by employing citric acid that provides an local acidic environment. The matrices might be valuably used for the development of an oral cefaclor dosage form.