Characterization of Alternative Starches and Its Effects on the In Vitro Dissolution of Capsules Containing Low Solubility Drugs (Ibuprofen and Nifedipine)

Abstract

Biopharmaceutical applications of alternative starches (ASs), as excipients in capsules containing low solubility drugs (nifedipine and ibuprofen), from seeds of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), red‐jambo (Syzygium malaccense), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.), avocado (Persea americana), and yam rhizomes (Dioscorea spp.), are investigated. ASs are characterized by microscopic, thermal, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Dissolution profiles are traced and compared to the official starch (from corn) – soluble in hot water, particle size (2–32 µm) and amylose/amylopectin ratio (0.29–0.33). Microscopy analysis shows AS granules with tetrahedral and spherical/rounded shapes (average size of 21.45 µm). The amylose/amylopectin ratios of AS are: breadfruit (0.29–0.37), red‐jambo (0.25–0.29), jackfruit (0.28–0.37), avocado (0.33–0.43), and yam rhizomes (0.37–0.47). AS presents crystallinity patterns of types A, B, and C. Thermal analysis shows mass loss with dehydration – 303 and 373 K (30 and 100 °C) and degradation 525 and 626 K (252 and 353 °C). The release of nifedipine (≥80%, in 20 min) and ibuprofen (≥60%, in 30 min) are similar or superior to corn starch. Only AS obtained from avocado seeds fails to release nifedipine. This study contributes to the quality control of medicine and alternative bioproducts.