| Abstract | Purpose To resolve contradictions found in morphology of hydrating hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) matrix as studied using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. Until now, two approaches were used in the literature: either two or three regions that differ in physicochemical properties were identified. Methods Multiparametric, spatially and temporally resolved T2 MR relaxometry in situ was applied to study the hydration progress in HPMC matrix tablets using a 11.7 T MRI system. Two spin-echo based pulse sequences—one of them designed to specifically study short T2 signals—were used. Results Two components in the T2 decay envelope were estimated and spatial distributions of their parameters, i.e. amplitudes and T2 values, were obtained. Based on the data, five different regions and their temporal evolution were identified: dry glassy, hydrated solid like, two interface layers and gel layer. The regions were found to be separated by four evolving fronts identified as penetration, full hydration, total gelification and apparent erosion. Conclusions The MRI results showed morphological details of the hydrating HPMC matrices matching compound theoretical models. The proposed method will allow for adequate evaluation of controlled release polymeric matrix systems loaded with drug substances of different solubility. |
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