Effect of D-sorbitol on the thermal gelation of methylcellulose formulations for drug delivery

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of D-sorbitol on the gelation characteristics of methylcellulose in aqueous solution. The addition of D-sorbitol at concentrations of between 25 and 30% (w/v) to 1.0-2.0% (w/v) methylcellulose solutions reduced the gelation temperature from approximately 53°C to values between ambient and 37°C and increased the strength of the gel. The in vitro release of acetaminophen (paracetamol) from 2.0% (w/v) methylcellulose gels containing 20-30% (w/v) D-sorbitol gel was diffusion-controlled. © 2010 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.