Scleroglucan sustained-release oral preparations. Part I. In vitro experiments.

Experiments performed in vitro with tablets and capsules indicate that the fungal polysaccharide scleroglucan is suitable for the formulation of sustained-release, oral dosage forms. Delivery of model drugs from the non-disintegrating matrix was studied in solutions buffered at different pH values. The effect on drug release of drug concentration, the physico-chemical properties of the drug, and the compression force used in the preparation of the matrix are reported, and the possible mechanisms of release are discussed.