EVALUATION OF THE BINDING PROPERTIES OF BAGASSE DERIVED METHYLCELLULOSE IN PARACETAMOL TABLETS

Abstract

Binders play a crucial role in tablet formulation. They ensure that tablets maintain their mechanical strength during
the period of distribution, handling and storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the binding properties of
methylcellulose derived from sugar cane bagasse (BDMC) in the formulation of paracetamol tablets by wet
granulation method. The binding properties of BDMC were evaluated in comparison to a commercial
methylcellulose, Methocel ® by utilizing various concentrations (1 - 2.0 % w
/ w ) as binder. The compressed tablets
were evaluated for crushing strength, friability, disintegration time and in vitro drug release using official methods.
All the tablets produced using both polymers were smooth, free of defects and did not adhere to the surface of the
punch and die. The friability decreased with increasing concentration and higher values were obtained with BDMC
(1.9 – 2.3 %) compared to Methocel ® (1.5 - 1.6 %). Disintegration time increased with increase in binder
concentration for BDMC (47 - 72 s) and Methocel ® (55 – 96 s). The findings in this study revealed that bagasse
derived methylcellulose (BDMC) could be used as binder in the formulation of paracetamol tablets at optimum
concentration of 2 %w / .