The effect of carboxymethyl chitin on sustained drug release of aspirin tablet

Carboxymethyl chitin (CM-chitin) was prepared at room temperature and characterized using 1H NMR, FTIR and elemental analysis methods. The prepared CM-chitin was then used as a hydrophilic matrix for the preparation of the aspirin sustained release tablets via the wet granulation technique. The aspirin release profiles of the prepared tablets in a simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid, respectively, were studied with the rotating-basket dissolution method. The results showed that the aspirin release rate in simulated gastric fluid was lower than that in simulated intestinal fluid. Thus, CM-chitin proved to be a pH-sensitive hydrophilic matrix. ►Aspirin sustained release tablets were prepared with CM-chitin as excipient. ►Aspirin release rate in gastric fluid was lower than that in intestinal fluid. ►CM-chitin was proved to be a pH-sensitive hydrophilic matrix. ►CM-chitin is a perfect excipient for some drugs which are harmful to stomach.