Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium alginate on the physical and dissolution properties of Surelease®-matrix pellets prepared by a novel pelletizer-equipped piston extruder and double-arm counter-rotating rollers. The mean values of the shape factor (eR) and the aspect ratio of Surelease®-matrix pellets were 0.615—0.625 and 1.06—1.070, respectively, indicating good sphericity of the pellets. The drug release rate increased as the amount of sodium alginate increased due to hydration, swelling, and erosion within the Surelease®-matrix pellets. In addition, the porosity of pellets also increased with increasing sodium alginate content. The results of this study show that sodium alginate has a greater effect on the drug release rate than the drug release mechanism within the Surelease®-matrix for sparingly water-soluble drug, such as tamsulosin hydrochloride.
