Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive matrix tablets of taro gum: optimization using response surface methodology.

The present study was aimed to formulate and evaluate oral controlled release mucoadhesive matrix tablets of taro gum incorporating domperidone as model drug. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and were evaluated for bioadhesive strength and in vitro dissolution parameters. A central composite design for 2 factors, at 3 levels each, was employed to evaluate the effect of criti cal formulation variables, namely the amount of taro gum (X1) and PVP K 30 (X2), on mucoadhesive strength, tensile strength, release exponent (n) and t50 (time for 50% drug release). The mucoadhesive detachment force (evaluated using texture analyzer) was found to be 18.266, 54.684 and 65.904 N for A4, A5 and A6 batches of the formulated tablets. The polynomial equation indicates that taro gum has dominating effect on mucoadhesive strength and both X1 and X2 have almost equal and comparable effect on tensile strength. The drug release follows first order kinetics (release of drug depends on remaining concentration of drug) and shows best linearity (r2 = 0.983) with higuchi model. The release exponent (n) lies between 0.339 and 0.543 indicating drug release from the matrix tablets may be fickian or non fickian (anamolous) depending upon the concentration of natural polymer. T50 was 58, 140 and 220 minutes for A7, A8 and A9 batches showing overriding potential of taro gum but still the effect of PVP K 30 is noteworthy. PVP K 30 has indirect effect on all the factors by increasing tensile strength and making the tablet firm and intact.