In vitro characterization of a synthetic polyamide-based erodible compact disc for extended drug release

An erodible polyamide 6,10 based drug carrier was fabricated for continuous, extended release of a model hydrophilic drug, amitriptyline hydrochloride. The developed polyamide-based drug loaded compact disc was stable, semi-crystalline, mechanically robust and demonstrated the potential to prolong drug release while displaying controlled in vitro matrix erosion that was quantified as gravimetric matrix loss and changes in conductivity potential. 14.06%^w/_w of amitriptyline hydrochloride content was released over a 30-day period. A zero-order, linear mathematical fitting of the drug release profile predicted a 100% release in approximately 240 days. Drug release kinetics was predicted to be zero order and regulated more by matrix relaxation than Fickian diffusion. The synthesized polyamide compact disc was identified as being physicochemically stable and physicomechanically robust. In conclusion, the preliminary in vitro data generated serves as proof-of-concept that the polyamide-based disc can potentially function as a useful polymeric biomaterial for designing extended release, erodible drug carriers.