The increasing concern over sugar-related health issues has sparked research interest in seeking alternatives to sucrose. Trehalulose, a beneficial structural isomer of sucrose, is a non-cariogenic sugar with a low glycemic and insulinemic index. Besides its potential as a sugar substitute, trehalulose exhibits high antioxidant properties, making it attractive for various industrial applications. Despite its numerous advantages and potential application in various sectors, the industrial adoption of trehalulose has yet to be established due to lack of studies on its characteristics and practical uses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the properties of trehalulose, emphasizing its health benefits. The industrial prospects of trehalulose as sweetener and reducing agent, particularly in food and beverages pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors, are explored. Additionally, the review delves into the sources of trehalulose and the diverse organisms capable of producing trehalulose. The biosynthesis of this sugar primarily involves an enzyme-mediated process. Thus, these enzymes' properties, mechanisms, and the heterologous expression of genes associated with trehalulose production are explored. The strategies discussed in this review can be improved and applied to establish trehalulose bio-factories for efficient synthesis of trehalulose in the future. With further research and development, trehalulose holds promise as a valuable component across various industries.
The aim of this study was to formulate cost effective taste-masked orally disintegrating tablets of ondansetron, a bitter drug using different superdisintegrants by a wet granulation technique. Microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) as a diluent and disintegrant in addition to aspartame as a sweetener were used in all formulations. The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content, water content, in vitro disintegration time and in vitro drug release. The tablets' hardness was maintained in the range of 2-3 kg and friability was <1% for all batches. All tablet formulations disintegrated rapidly in vitro within 5.83 to 33.0 sec. The optimized formulation containing 15% Polyplasdone XL-10 released more than 90% of drug within 5 min and the release was comparable to that of a commercial product. In human volunteers, optimized formulation was found to have a pleasant taste and mouth feel and they disintegrated in the oral cavity within 12 sec. The stability results were also satisfactory. A pharmacokinetic study with the optimized formulation was performed in comparison with a reference (Zofer MD 8®) and they were found to be bioequivalent. In conclusion, a cost effective ondansetron orally disintegrating tablet was successfully prepared with acceptable hardness, desirable taste and rapid disintegration in the oral cavity.
Manufacturing process and superdisintegrants used in orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulation are often time discussed. However, the effect of suitable filler for ODT formulation is not explored thoroughly.