Preparation and release kinetics of microencapsulated cisplatin with ethylcellulose

Several kinds of microcapsules containing cisplatin were prepared by the ethylcellulose coacervation process in an attempt to administer cisplatin with chemoembolization. Microcapsules made either with mechanical stirring or with sonication showed similar properties; the chemical structure of cisplatin was not affected by the micro-encapsulation process. The release kinetics of cisplatin from ethylcellulose-walled microcapsules followed different patterns, according to the wall thickness. In each case, the release kinetics did not depend on the stirring rate of the surrounding medium. Only microcapsules with a cisplatin release ratio from 80 to 100% within 24 h were selected for later clinical use.