Native and microwave-modified Terminalia mantaly gums as sustained-release and bioadhesive excipients in naproxen matrix tablet formulations.

Background: Hydrophilic polymers provide a means of sustaining drug delivery. Native gums may be limited in function, but modification may improve their activity.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate native and modified forms of Terminalia mantaly gum for their sustained-release and bioadhesive properties.

Material and methods: The native gum (NTM) was modified by microwave irradiation for 20 seconds (MTM20) and 60 seconds (MTM60) and characterized using microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and packing properties. The effects of the thermally induced molecular reorientation were determined. Tablet formulations of naproxen were produced by direct compression. The mechanical, bioadhesive and release properties of the formulations were determined.

Results: Irradiation of NTM improved the gum's flow properties, resulting in Carr's Index and Hausner's ratios lower than 16% and 1.25, respectively. Swelling studies showed that MTM20 and MTM60 had lower water absorption capacity and swelling index values, while packing properties improved upon irradiation, as depicted by lower tapped density values. FTIR spectra of samples showed that the irradiated gums were distinct from the native gums and did not interact with naproxen sodium. The gum's mechanical properties improved with MTM20 and MTM60 and sustained-release action of up 12 h was obtained.

Conclusions: Inclusion of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in the tablet formulations proved critical for bioadhesion. Microwave irradiation of native Terminalia mantaly gum improved the flow, mechanical and sustained-release properties of Naproxen tablets, and the addition of HPMC increased bioadhesion properties. The tablet properties of the native gum were significantly improved after 20 s of microwave irradiation.