Nattawut CharoenthaiPeter KleinebuddeSatit PuttipipatkhachornMahidol UniversityHeinrich Heine Universitat2018-08-242018-08-242007-01-01Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Vol.96, No.9 (2007), 2469-248415206017002235492-s2.0-34548239869https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/25117Two types of different molecular weight chitosan were investigated as a pelletization aid in extrusion/spheronization using water as granulation liquid. Spherical pellets with a maximum fraction of 60% w/w chitosan could be produced when 1.25-2.5% w/w sodium alginate was included in the formulations with no microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Chitosan with lower molecular weight of 190 kDa showed a better pellet forming property. The pellets obtained had acceptable physical characteristics and a fast drug release. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and13C CP-MAS nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the formation of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) between chitosan and sodium alginate, which might be a reason for successful pelletization by extrusion/ spheronization. Moreover, the presence of PEC might influence the physical characteristics and dissolution behavior of chitosan-alginate pellets. The results indicated an achievement in production of pellets by extrusion/spheronization without using MCC. Moreover, chitosan combined with sodium alginate could be used as a promising alternative pelletization aid to MCC in extrusion/spheronization. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.Mahidol UniversityPharmacology, Toxicology and PharmaceuticsArticleSCOPUS10.1002/jps.20855