Abstract

The purpose of this study is to characterize controlled release matrix tablets of captopril and to find out the physicochemical properties that have an effect on the mucoadhesion process. The hydrophilic matrix tablets contain captopril, microcrystalline cellulose, barium sulfate, ascorbic acid, ethylcellulose N100, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K15M, talc, magnesium stearate and colloidal silicon dioxide. The physicochemical properties of the formulations have been characterized using confocal microscopy, contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy. The potential mucoadhesion capabilities of the formulations were assessed measuring the surface free energy, the polar and dispersive forces, the spreading coefficients, the surface roughness, and the network structure of the hydrophilic matrix tablets. The results show that when the concentration of HPMC K15M increases, the spreading coefficients of polymer over mucus and mucus over polymer are more positive, thus increasing the contact between the matrix tablets with the mucus layer. The formulation that contains 15% of HPMC K15M is the formulation that presents a greater swelling capacity, a greater increase in surface roughness, and larger pores within the matrix. This formulation has a higher chain mobility and more free macromolecular chains able to diffuse in the mucus layer. Therefore, this formulation has the greatest potential mucoadhesion capability.

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