An evaluation of albumin microcapsules prepared using a multiple emulsion technique

Albumin microcapsules containing sulphadiazine were prepared using a multiple emulsion technique. Heat was utilized to denature the albumin and form the capsule shell. Albumin microcapsules prepared using this technique were free-flowing, spherical in shape, and had varying degrees of vacuolation. The effects of drug: polymer ratio and concentration of cross-linking agent on the percentage of drug retained in the microcapsules and release of drug from the microcapsules were studied. Also, the effect of viscosity of the innermost oil layer, of the multiple emulsion, upon the mean diameter of the microcapsules and release of drug from the microcapsules was investigated.