PLGA

The present study compares three colon-targeted drug delivery systems; Eudragit S100-coated polymeric tablets, PLGA nanoparticles, and alginate hydrogel microspheres, developed for the controlled release of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Each formulation was prepared and optimized using distinct carriers and evaluated under simulated gastrointestinal (GI) conditions to assess their physicochemical characteristics, release behaviour, and stability. The formulations were characterized for particle size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and swelling index. Morphological analysis confirmed smooth coating in polymeric tablets, spherical uniformity in nanoparticles, and a porous structure in hydrogels. In vitro dissolution studies revealed minimal drug release in gastric conditions (≤2% at pH 1.2) and sustained release at colonic pH (7.4). PLGA nanoparticles showed the most controlled release profile, achieving 92.1 ± 2.4% cumulative release at 24 hours, compared with 100.0 ± 3.1% for polymeric tablets and 85.4 ± 2.1% for hydrogels. Kinetic modeling indicated that all systems followed diffusion-dominated release, with nanoparticles best fitting the Higuchi model (R² = 0.981). Stability studies confirmed nanoparticle integrity under prolonged acidic and neutral exposure, while hydrogels exhibited partial deformation. Overall performance analysis identified PLGA nanoparticles as the most efficient system, demonstrating superior acid resistance, encapsulation efficiency, and colon-specific release. These findings suggest that nanoparticle-based carriers offer significant potential for achieving predictable, site-specific, and sustained drug delivery to the colon.

Fast-dissolving tablets (FDTs) are a new type of oral dose form that breaks down quickly in the mouth without water. They are great for kids, older adults, and people who have trouble swallowing. The goal of this study was to improve the formulation of FDTs using paracetamol as a model drug. It did this by using a 3² full factorial Design of Experiments (DoE) to look at how the concentrations of superdisintegrant and binder affected important quality factors like disintegration time, hardness, friability, and drug release. Direct compression was used to make nine formulations (F1–F9), which were then tested using standard pharmacopeial assays. Using ANOVA for statistical analysis, we found that higher quantities of superdisintegrant made the tablets break down faster and release the medicine better, while the amount of binder affected how hard the tablets were. Formulation F7 (6% superdisintegrant, 2% binder) had the best profile of all, with a disintegration time of 25 seconds and 98.3% drug release. The study shows that DoE is a good way to optimize the development of strong, patient-friendly FDTs that work well.