Formulation, characterization and pharmacokinetic evaluation of gentamicin sulphate loaded albumin microspheres

The aim of this investigation was to prepare and evaluate microsphere formulations of gentamicin using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a polymer matrix and glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker. Microsphere formulations of gentamicin were prepared using a spray dryer and were evaluated for product yield, encapsulation efficiency, particle size and in vitro drug release. The anti-microbial testing was performed using a modified Kirby-Bauer technique which showed that encapsulated gentamicin had an equivalent anti-microbial activity against E. coli bacteria as compared to gentamicin solution. Since it was the goal to deliver a high drug load intra-cellularly, the formulation with the least burst release profile in PBS was evaluated for its pharmacokinetic performance in rats. The in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation on rats demonstrated increased bioavailability with microsphere formulation in comparison to the traditional solution form. The significant increase in bioavailability shall enable one to reduce the frequency of gentamicin administration and would effectively reduce the dose related side effects of gentamicin such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.