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Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Formulation, and Evaluation of Pentoxifylline-Loaded Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) Microspheres
S Tamizharasi1, J C Rathi, V Rathi
1Nandha College of Pharmacy, Perundurai Main Road, Erode-638 052, India.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|January 5, 2010
Summary
Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microspheres successfully encapsulated pentoxifylline, demonstrating sustained drug release. Formulation F2 (1:4 ratio) exhibited optimal drug entrapment and release kinetics, indicating potential for controlled drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Microspheres offer a promising platform for controlled drug delivery.
- Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biocompatible polymer frequently used in drug delivery systems.
- Pentoxifylline is a hemorheologic agent used to improve blood flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize pentoxifylline-loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microspheres.
- To evaluate the effect of drug-to-carrier ratio on microsphere properties and in vitro drug release.
- To determine the release kinetics and stability of the developed microspheres.
Main Methods:
- Solvent evaporation technique was employed to fabricate PCL microspheres.
- Microspheres were characterized for particle size, morphology (SEM), drug entrapment efficiency, and percentage yield.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to assess drug-polymer interactions.
- In vitro drug release studies and stability assessments were conducted.
Main Results:
- Spherical microspheres with sizes ranging from 59.3 to 86.22 µm were obtained.
- Formulation F3 (1:5 ratio) yielded the highest percentage yield (83.34%), while F2 (1:4 ratio) showed the highest drug entrapment (76.92%).
- FT-IR studies confirmed no significant drug-polymer interaction. Stability studies showed no appreciable degradation over 60 days.
- Formulation F2 demonstrated sustained release, with 90.34% pentoxifylline released within 15 hours, following Higuchi kinetics.
Conclusions:
- Pentoxifylline-loaded PCL microspheres were successfully prepared using the solvent evaporation method.
- The drug-to-carrier ratio significantly influences drug entrapment and release characteristics.
- Formulation F2 (1:4) is optimal for sustained pentoxifylline release, indicating its potential for effective controlled drug delivery applications.
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