Formulation and evaluation of albumin microspheres and its enteric coating using a spray-dryer

This study optimized and evaluated the conditions for surface coating of microspheres using a spray-dryer. Four formulations of Bromophenol blue (BPB)-loaded albumin microspheres were prepared using a spray-dryer, cross-linked at different concentrations and time periods. One of the optimized formulations with the desired characteristics was selected for enteric coating with Eudragit L100-55. The procedure involved suspending BPB microspheres in polymer solution and spray-drying it. Four enteric coated formulations were prepared with different concentrations of microspheres in suspension (0.25 and 0.5%w/v) and polymer concentrations (0.25 and 0.5%w/v). Change in the mean particle size after coating was determined using a Laser Particle Counter. The surface coating technique employed did not significantly increase the particle size. Enteric coating efficiency was determined in simulated gastric fluid. Compared to the uncoated microspheres the cumulative amount of drug released from coated microspheres was significantly lower for 3 h, implying efficient surface coating.