Authors: Riya Patel, Dr. Amit Verma
Abstract: Sustained release (SR) tablet formulations offer prolonged therapeutic effects, improved patient compliance, and reduced dosing frequency. Natural polymers, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and availability, serve as effective matrix formers in SR formulations. This study explores the development, formulation, and evaluation of sustained release tablets using natural polymers such as guar gum, xanthan gum, and chitosan. Preformulation studies included drug-polymer compatibility assessment, flow properties, and granule evaluation. Tablets were prepared using direct compression and wet granulation methods, followed by evaluation of weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, and in vitro release. Drug release kinetics were analyzed using models like Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and zero-order equations. The effect of polymer type and concentration on drug release profiles was examined to optimize formulation performance. Comparative analysis indicated that polymer selection significantly influences drug release rate and mechanism. Results demonstrate that natural polymer based SR tablets provide controlled drug release, enhanced stability, a improved patient adherence. These findings highlight the potential of natural polymers as sustainable and effective excipients in SR drug delivery systems.
Keywords: Sustained release, natural polymers, guar gum, xanthan gum, chitosan, drug release kinetics, matrix tablets, formulation optimization
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