Development and in vitro characterization of epigallocatechin gallate-liquisolid compacts for oral drug delivery system

Abstract

This study focused on developing liquisolid formulations of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to enhance its solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability. EGCG was formulated into six liquisolid systems (F-1 to F-6) using propylene glycol as a solvent, Avicel PH 102 as the carrier, and Aerosil 200 as the coating material. The formulations were prepared based on a mathematical model to optimize the carrier-to-coating ratio and liquid load factor. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the absence of significant drug-excipient interactions. Flowability analysis showed that the formulations had suitable compressibility and flow properties for direct compression into tablets. Drug release studies in Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF, pH 6.8) demonstrated that F-3 had the fastest release profile, reaching near 78% within 60 minutes, outperforming the direct compressible tablet (DCT) in both media. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform drug distribution within the carrier matrix. The study concluded that the liquisolid approach, particularly formulation F-3, offers a promising strategy for improving the solubility and bioavailability of EGCG, making it a suitable candidate for oral delivery systems aimed at achieving rapid therapeutic effects.