Colonic Release Tablet Using Alginate and HPMC Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral formulations for treating colonic disorders caused by inflammatory pattern alterations and microbiota destabilization face challenges such as poor gastro-resistance, rapid degradation in the stomach, and inadequate release of active ingredients in the colon.

Innovation Solution

A colonic release oral tablet comprising a mixture of dry extracts of turmeric, pomegranate, and Boswellia, dispersed in a matrix of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which ensures uniform and prolonged release of active ingredients in the distal bowel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional oral formulations are used, then the active ingredients are rapidly degraded in the stomach, but gastro-resistance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegastro-resistanceVSAvoiddegradation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an enteric coating as an intermediary layer between the active ingredients and the gastric environment. This coating acts as a mediator that protects the active ingredients from stomach acid and enzymatic degradation, allowing them to pass through the gastrointestinal tract intact and release only in the colon where they are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an enteric coating film that selectively dissolves at specific pH conditions. This thin film provides gastro-resistance by remaining intact in the acidic stomach environment and only dissolving in the more neutral pH environment of the colon, thereby protecting the active ingredients from premature degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If conventional formulations are used, then rapid release occurs in the stomach, but adequate release in the colon is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled releaseVSAvoidrelease uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes pH parameter changes along the gastrointestinal tract to control drug release. The enteric coating is designed to remain stable at low pH (stomach) and dissolve at higher pH (colon), automatically responding to the physiological pH gradient to achieve site-specific release without complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The enteric-coated formulation is self-regulating, using the body's own pH environment to control where and when the active ingredients are released. The coating automatically dissolves in the colon based on pH conditions, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If enteric coating is applied, then gastro-resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegastro-resistanceVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enteric coating provides a simple yet effective solution by using a thin film layer that can be applied during standard tablet manufacturing processes. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the desired gastro-resistance, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer structures or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The tablet provides enhanced gastro-resistance and controlled release of active ingredients in the colon, effectively reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of colonic disorders.

Implementation Method 1

dispersed in a matrix of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which ensures uniform and prolonged release of active ingredients in the distal bowel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

dispersed in a matrix of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which ensures uniform and prolonged release of active ingredients

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectErosion:

Implementation Method 3

The tablet provides enhanced gastro-resistance and controlled release of active ingredients in the colon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH-dependent dissolution:

Data Source

PatentUS12285035B2Colonic release food supply as a coadjuvant in the treatment and prevention of colonic disorders caused by a suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory pattern and microbiota destabilization

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 CRISTALFARMA SRL

AI summary

Oral tablet comprising as active principle an association of dry extracts of turmeric, pomegranate and Boswellia, with colonic release, wherein said release is guaranteed by the presence of a combination of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the relative matrix in which the aforementioned active ingredients are dispersed. This oral tablet, preferably in the form of a food supplement, is employed as co-adjuvant in the treatment and prevention of colonic disorders caused by suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory situation and destabilization of the microbiota.