Oxidized konjac glucomannan-cassava starch and sucrose esters as novel excipients for sustained-release matrix tablets

Abstract A novel sustained-release matrix tablet was developed through wet granulation by using oxidized konjac glucomannan-cassava starch (OKGM-CS) and sucrose esters (SE) as excipients. OKGM-CS treated by dry heat exhibited low solubility and swelling power, indicating that it might be a potential adjuvant for sustained-release drug formulations. SE incorporation significantly decreased the porosity and swelling rates of tablets and retarded drug release. Tablets containing SE with an HLB value of 5 displayed better sustained-release performance, the cumulative release decreased from 94.36% to 83.29% and MDT increased from 4.50 h to 5.79 h. All these findings suggest the potential of OKGM-CS and SE as novel sustained-release agents for matrix tablets.