Encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro dissolution test of salbutamol sulfate microcapsules coated with PDLLA/PCL...

This study focuses on the development of a drug delivery system through microencapsulation of salbutamol sulfate using biocompatible and biodegradable polymers poly(D,L-lactic acid) and poly(e-caprolactone) (PDLLA 60: PCL 40% w/w).

We employed an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsification technique and Span 80-Tween 80 mixture as an emulsifier to generate PDLLA/PCL microcapsules. The dissolution test was conducted in acid and base medium to demonstrate drug release.

The highest average encapsulation efficiency of salbutamol sulfate was 83.21%, while the dissolution test of salbutamol sulfate microcapsules coated with polyblend PDLLA/PCL was carried out in-vitro. They released 32.21% of the drug in HCl solution pH 1.2 and 17.18% in phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4. The mechanism of drug release from the polymer matrix occured via controlled diffusion, which was able to sustain the drug release.

Although the total drug release is below expectations, the findings indicate that this system has potential to enhance patient compliance and reduce adverse effects by improving the therapeutic effect of salbutamol sulfate through oral administration.