Egg albumin microspheres containing sulphamethizole

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Drug delivery systems aim to control the release rate of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Microspheres offer a versatile platform for controlled drug delivery.
• Egg albumin is a biodegradable polymer with potential for drug encapsulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize egg albumin microspheres containing sulphamethizole.
• To investigate the drug release profile of these microspheres.
• To evaluate methods for modifying the release characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Egg albumin microspheres were prepared using a capillary extrusion technique.
• Microsphere size, shape, and surface morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.
• In vitro drug release studies were conducted in acidic dissolution media.
• Microsphere swelling was assessed, and modifications using spermaceti, paraffin wax, aldehydes, and gamma-irradiation were explored.

Main Results:

• Microspheres were porous, with sulphamethizole concentrated at the periphery, leading to a burst release (up to 30% in 2 min).
• The average time for 50% drug release (t50%) was 12 minutes, complicated by matrix swelling.
• Treatment with spermaceti and paraffin wax increased t50% to 33 and 43 minutes, respectively, by reducing swelling.
• Cross-linking with aldehydes or gamma-irradiation was ineffective.

Conclusions:

• Egg albumin microspheres prepared by capillary extrusion show a rapid initial release of sulphamethizole.
• Matrix swelling significantly impacts drug release kinetics.
• Incorporation of hydrophobic agents like spermaceti or paraffin wax can modulate and improve the controlled release profile.