Studies on bioadhesive granules I: granules formulated with Prosopis africana (prosopis) gum.

Prosopis gum (PG) extracted from Prosopis africana was investigated for bioadhesive delivery of theophylline (TPL). Bioadhesive granules containing TPL were formulated and the bioadhesive properties evaluated using adhesion of the granules onto a porcine intestinal mucus surface. The bioadhesion of the gum dispersion was also evaluated using coated glass beads and the strength of the films formulated from the gums was also determined. The release properties of the TPL-containing granules were assessed by diffusion of TPL from the granules through porcine intestinal wall into a sink solution. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) was used as the standard bioadhesive polymer. Results indicated that PG is highly bioadhesive compared to SCMC. The result of the release studies also showed that PG could be used to deliver TPL in a bioadhesive dosage form.