Generation of cellulose from Saccharum officinarum pseudostem bagasse and its application as solubility enhancer in albendazole solid formulation

Abstract

Formulations of poorly aqueous soluble drugs in different polymers based on solid dispersion method have been used to improve its solubility and drug bioavailability. The aim of this study was to formulate albendazole solid dispersion utilising cellulose obtained from saccharum officinarum pseudostem bagasse and characterised. Herein, a 3² factorial design was used to factor out 9 combinations of the generated cellulose (GC) and lactose. In each case, the combination was blended with albendazole, processed using solvent-evaporation technique and adjuvant into a solid dispersion form (SD). The SD was granulated with starch and lubricated with magnesium stearate. Thermal analysis based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transmission infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) were carried out on the cellulose, drug and the granules. The micromeritic properties of the granules, and drug entrapment efficacy and dispersion-number of aqueous constitution of the granules were determined. The DSC result showed amorphous GC and granules. FT-IR analysis showed no compatibility or interaction problem based on the functional peaks observed. The granules exhibited micromeritics properties (p > 0.05); rate of consolidation < 0.43 and Carr’s indices < 23.53, drug entrapment efficacy > 93 % and dispersion-number < 4.33. The granules dissolution rates after 10 and 60 mins were > 94.11 % and > 68.52 % respectively. These granules properties peaked with the GC and lactose combination at 20 % each. Albendazole formulation based on the cellulose obtained from sugarcane showed a promised alternative for improved dissolution and possible bioavailability enhancement.