Delivery system for biological component
The invention relates to a controlled release formulation for a probiotic. The formulation contains a hydrophilic agent, an electrolytic agent and a polysaccharide and is in the form of a monolithic tablet for oral delivery to the intestinal system. The probiotic can be lactic acid bacteria.
1. A controlled release formulation for oral delivery to an intestinal system, the formulation comprising:
about 5% to 40% by total weight of at least one of a hydrophilic agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyethylene oxide;
about 5% to 40% by total weight of a release modifying agent comprising pectin;
about 1% to 40% by total weight of at least one of an electrolytic agent selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, and calcium carbonate; and
a probiotic;
wherein said formulation is a monolithic tablet without an enteric coating.
2. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the probiotic is a lactic acid bacteria.
3. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic agent is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
4. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic agent is polyethylene oxide.
5. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the electrolytic agent is sodium carbonate.
6. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the electrolytic agent is sodium bicarbonate.
7. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the electrolytic agent is sodium phosphate.
8. The formulation of claim 1 wherein the electrolytic agent is calcium carbonate.