A Comprehensive Review on Raft-Forming Systems: An Advanced Strategy for Gastroretentive Drug Delivery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i4.782Keywords:
Raft-forming systems, Gastroretentive drug delivery, Gastric residence time, Oral bioavailability, In vitro evaluation, Drug release kinetics.Abstract
Gastroretentive raft-forming systems represent an advanced approach in drug delivery aimed at prolonging the residence time of pharmaceutical agents in the stomach. This strategy is crucial for enhancing oral bioavailability, particularly for drugs absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, those with narrow absorption windows, or drugs requiring localized action. The core mechanism involves the interaction of effervescent excipients and gel-forming polymers, typically sodium alginate and gas-generating agents like sodium bicarbonate, within the gastric fluid. This interaction leads to the rapid formation of a cohesive, buoyant gel that floats on the stomach contents, trapping carbon dioxide and maintaining a density lower than gastric fluid. This floating raft acts as a physical barrier against gastric reflux and ensures the sustained release of the drug. These systems are specifically designed for the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disorder, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, and esophagitis. The development of successful raft-forming systems relies on comprehensive evaluation parameters, including in vitro gelling and buoyancy studies to confirm gel formation and floating characteristics, viscosity and density measurements to assess physical properties, and gel strength and raft resilience tests for mechanical integrity. Furthermore, drug content, acid neutralization capacity, and in vitro dissolution studies are vital for ensuring drug efficacy and controlled release. While challenges such as inter-subject variability in gastric physiology and manufacturing scalability exist, continuous advancements in materials science and fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing and nanoparticle encapsulation, are optimizing these innovative drug delivery systems for improved therapeutic outcomes.
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