Preparation and drug release properties of norisoboldine-loaded chitosan microspheres

This study aimed to develop injectable norisoboldine (NOR) chitosan microspheres formulated through the emulsion cross-linking method. The formulation was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD). The morphology, size, physicochemical characterization and in vitro release behavior of the optimized formulation were evaluated. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) indicated that the microspheres were spherical with a smooth surface. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading content of the microspheres were 38.89%±1.72% and 4.25%±0.15%, respectively, with an average size of 105μm. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the absence of a drug-polymer interaction and the amorphous nature of an entrapped drug. Analysis results of drug release in vitro show the burst release of the microsphere in 2h and a slow progression afterward. In vivo studies using Sprague-Dawley rats revealed that the NOR-loaded chitosan microspheres were biocompatible. This study suggests that the BBD with desired formulation could provide a suitable drug delivery system of chitosan microspheres.