Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

Keywords

pectin, acetaminophen, capsule shell, formulation

Abstract

Pectin is widely used as an additive in food and pharmaceutical products, primarily as a gelling agent. It can form gels in aqueous solutions when combined with sugar, acid, or calcium ions. It has good stability under acidic conditions, even at elevated temperatures. Thus, the aforementioned properties of pectin make it a potential candidate for a drug delivery system. This study aimed to determine whether the pectin-based shell formed with the use of 3-D printed mold can be an alternative to gelatin capsule shells. Two formulations were used: Formulation A with acetaminophen, lactose, pectin, glycerin, and citric acid; and Formulation B with acetaminophen, lactose, pectin, sorbitol, and lactic acid. By conducting an in vitro dissolution test, the researchers were able to assess the dissolution profile of acetaminophen within the formulated pectin-based capsule shells compared to commercially-available gelatin capsule shells. Sampling was done at multiple time points (15, 30, and 45 minutes) to determine the differences of the amount dissolved at each specific time point. At the highest performing dissolution vessel, Formulation A exhibited 91.83% amount dissolved at the 45-minute time point. Meanwhile, Formulation B showed a slightly lower rate of 81.97%. Additionally, gelatin capsule shells displayed 84.49% at the said time-point. Upon comparing the dissolution rates of both formulations with gelatin capsule shells, the researchers concluded that Formulation A exhibited a similar dissolution behavior to gelatin capsule shells (Table 11). These results indicate that Formulation A may have a potential to be an alternative to gelatin capsule shells.

First Advisor

Leigh Don T. Villanueva

Download

Share

COinS