Synthesis and immobilization of micro-scale drug particles in cellulosic films

The anti-solvent synthesis of micron-scale particles, their stabilization, and subsequent self-assembly into polymer films suitable for drug delivery is presented. The colloidal particles were stabilized using low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), while drug encapsulation was carried out with high molecular weight HPMC and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Griseofulvin (GF) was used as the model drug compound, and the polymer films were evaluated in terms of their surface morphology, mechanical properties and in vitro drug release. In general, the release rates were best described by first-order and Hixson-Crowell kinetic models, and in a typical film containing 57% HPMC, 100% of GF was released within 50 min.