Formulation and Evaluation of Serratiopeptidase Matrix Tablets

Ch. Praveen Kumar, G. Venkatesh*, K. Gnana Prakash, M. Gobinath
Department of Pharmaceutics, Ratnam Institute of Pharmacy, Pidthapolur (V), Muthkur(M), Nellore-524346, A.P, India

A B S T R A C T
In the present research work, an attempt was made to prepare matrix tablets of serratiopeptidase which is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the non pathogenic enterobacteria Serratia marcescens. Microbial enzymes have gained much popularity and they are economical and can be produced on large scale within the limited space and time. Serratiopeptidase as an immediate release dosage form irritates gastric mucosa in acidic environment and has a half life of 3-4 hrs. Due to the above limitations serratiopeptidase matrix tablets were prepared by using different hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers like Ethocel (ethyl cellulose), Methocel (Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose) in different ratios. Eight formulations (SP-1 to SP-8) were prepared using wet granulation method and evaluated for pre and post compressional parameters. Micromeritic properties showed poor flow properties for serratiopeptidase due to its amorphous nature when compared with the formulations SP-1 to SP-8 and acceptable resistance was shown by serratiopeptidase matrix tablets to withstand handling. According to In-vitro dissolution studies, SP-6 shows more retarding effect and thus found that T₅₀ % value increases as concentration of ethyl cellose increases. Korsemeyer-Peppas release exponent (n) values of all serratiopeptidase matrix tablets are > 0.8 indicating drug diffusion is rapid due to swelling in the polymer (case 2 transport).
Keywords: Serratiopeptidase, Serratia marcescens, Matrix tablets, Ethyl cellulose, Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose.