Abstract

“DEVELOPMENT OF BROMELAIN PELLETS PRODUCED BY EXTRUSION-SPHERONIZATION FOR ORAL DELIVERY”

Satish Vasudeo Shirolkar*, Sharwari Tanmay Bembalkar and Gaurav Laxmikant Deshpande

ABSTRACT

Digestive enzyme supplements are used to treat enzyme deficiencies. Plant-based enzymes, such as bromelain from pineapple, serve as effective digestive aids in the breakdown of proteins. The aim of this study is to develop multi-particulate drug delivery system for digestive enzyme bromelain. Multi-particulate systems offer advantage with respect to predictable and even distribution and transportation through GI track. Characterization of bromelain was carried out by melting point and assay of bromelain was performed by using Hammersten-type casein as substrate. Multi-particulate systems of bromelain have been attempted using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) & guar gum as main excipients. Dough of bromelain with excipients was prepared and passed through sieve # 12. The extrudates were spheronised using spheronizer. Optimization of process was done by factorial design using speed (RPM) and time (min.) for spheronisation as independent variables at three levels. For bromelain loaded MCC-guar gum pellets effect of speed and time was studied on particle size, bulk density, tapped density, Disintegration time, percentage yield, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release. Relationship between dependent and independent variables was established using Design Expert® 7.0.0.

Keywords: Multi-particulate systems, bromelain, pellets, spheronizer, factorial design.