Alginates in Oral Delivery Systems of HPMC
Dennis et al. (2002) filled hard gelatin capsules with a mixture of drugs, alginate, and a pH-independent polymer (HPMC). Upon ingestion, the capsules absorbed gastric fluid, initiating surface hydration of the polymer. The formation of a surface gel layer led to air entrapment, and the capsules began to float. Over time, the gel layer eroded, resulting in the movement of the gel–dissolution interface toward the core of the capsules. Eventually, the device lost its floatability and passed into t