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Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Optimization and characterization of diclofenac sodium microspheres prepared by a modified coacervation method
E S El-Leithy1, D S Shaker, M K Ghorab
1Pharmaceutics Department, College of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics
|April 12, 2012
Summary
This study optimized a modified coacervation method for diclofenac sodium loaded chitosan microspheres. The method enhances yield and spherical morphology, with cross-linking agent concentration significantly impacting drug release.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chitosan microspheres are promising drug delivery systems.
- Diclofenac sodium is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
- Optimizing microsphere preparation is crucial for effective drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize a modified coacervation method for diclofenac sodium loaded chitosan (DFS-C) microspheres.
- To evaluate the impact of chitosan concentration, cross-linking agent concentration, and time on microsphere properties.
- To analyze the drug release kinetics and mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Modified coacervation technique.
- Full 2(3) factorial design for parameter optimization.
- Characterization of microsphere morphology, swelling, and mucoadhesion.
- In vitro drug release studies and kinetic analysis.
Main Results:
- The modified coacervation method yielded higher amounts of spherical DFS-C microspheres, even at low chitosan concentrations (0.3%, w/v).
- Microsphere morphology was influenced by formulation and process parameters.
- Cross-linking agent concentration was the most critical factor affecting swelling, mucoadhesion, and drug release.
- Drug release followed a quasi-Fickian diffusion mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The optimized modified coacervation method is effective for preparing diclofenac sodium loaded chitosan microspheres.
- Formulation and process parameters, particularly cross-linking agent concentration, significantly influence microsphere characteristics and drug release.
- The findings suggest potential for developing improved NSAID delivery systems.
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