Preparation and characterization of a novel pH-sensitive coated microsphere for duodenum-specific drug delivery

The aim of this study is to develop a duodenum-specific drug delivery system on the basis of a pH-sensitive coating and a mucoadhesive inner core for eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the ulcer duodenum. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate maleate (HPMCAM) was used as the pH-sensitive material, which dissolves around pH 3.0. The mucoadhesive microspheres loaded with furazolidone (FZD-ad-MS) were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method using Carbopol 971NP as the mucoadhesive polymer. The prepared pH-sensitive coated mucoadhesive microspheres (AM-coated-MS) were characterized in regards to particle size, drug loading efficiency, morphological change, drug stability, drug release and in vitro anti-H. pylori activity. The particle size was 160.97 ± 47.24 μm and 336.44 ± 129.34 μm, and the drug content was 42.33 ± 3.43% and 10.96 ± 1.29% for FZD-ad-MS and AM-coated-MS, respectively. The morphological changes in different pH media were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). HPMCAM coating improved the stability of the FZD-ad-MS and these particles were expected to remain intact until their arrival in the duodenum. The drug release was extremely suppressed at pH 1.2 for AM-coated-MS, but increased at pH 4.0 after regeneration of FZD-ad-MS. In addition, FZD-ad-MS exhibited excellent anti-H. pylori activity in vitro. Thus, the HPMCAM-coated microspheres developed in this study hold great promise for use as a duodenum-specific drug delivery system for H. pylori clearance.     

Controlling of systemic absorption of gliclazide through incorporation into alginate beads

This work investigates preparation of biodegradable beads with alginate polymer by ionotropic gelation method to take the advantages of the swelling and mucoadhesive properties of alginate beads for improving the oral delivery of the antidiabetic agent gliclazide. It demonstrates that the ionic gelation of alginate molecules offers a flexible and easily controllable process for manipulating the characteristics of the beads which are important in controlling the release rate and consequently the absorption of gliclazide from the gastrointestinal tract. Variations in polymer concentration, stirring speed, internal phase volume and the type of surfactant in the external phase were examined systemically for their effects on the particle size, incorporation efficiency and flow properties of the beads. The swelling behavior was strongly dependent on the polymer concentration in the formulations and the pH of the medium. The in vitro release experiments revealed that the swelling is the main parameter controlling the release rate of gliclazide from the beads. In vivo studies on diabetic rabbits showed that the hypoglycemic effect induced by the gliclazide loaded alginate beads was significantly greater and more prolonged than that induced by the marketed conventional gliclazide tablet (Gliclazide). The results clearly demonstrated the ability of the system to maintain tight blood glucose level and improved the patient compliance by enhancing, controlling and prolonging the systemic absorption of gliclazide.     

Preparation and in vitro in vivo evaluation of aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres: An investigation of effects of polymer using multiple comparison analysis

The aim of this present research work was to prepare and evaluate alginate microspheres of aceclofenac by ionic gelation method for targeting the drug release in intestinal region and decrease distinct tissue protection in the stomach. This method offers to prepare microspheres which are important in controlling the release rate and the absorption of aceclofenac from the intestinal region. Variation in polymer concentration was studied systemically for their influence on the encapsulation efficacy, particle size and in vitro drug release. The enteric nature of the microspheres showed very less amount of drug released in acidic medium. The mucoadhesion property was strongly dependent on the pH of the medium and the polymer concentration in the formulations. In vitro drug release study proposed a mixed drug release mechanism, partially involving the sphere matrix disintegration and drug diffusion of the microspheres. Holm-Sidak multiple comparison analysis suggested a significant difference in measured t50% values among all the microsphere formulations. In vivo studies revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect induced by the aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres was significantly high and prolonged than that induced by the pure aceclofenac. So, this aceclofenac loaded alginate microspheres exhibited promising properties to improve the patient compliance by controlling and prolonging the systemic absorption of aceclofenac along with a distinct tissue protection in the stomach.     

Mucoadhesive microspheres for nasal administration of an antiemetic drug, metoclopramide: in-vitro/ex-vivo studies

Microparticulate delivery systems designed for the nasal administration of an antiemetic drug, metoclopramide hydrochloride, were prepared. Microspheres composed of sodium alginate, chitosan hydrochloride, or both, were obtained using a spray-drying method; some batches of drug-free microparticles were prepared as a comparison. The morphology, in-vitro swelling behaviour, mucoadhesive properties and drug release from microparticles were evaluated. Ex-vivo drug permeation tests were carried out using sheep nasal mucosa; permeation test of the drug solution was performed as comparison. During ex-vivo permeation tests, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were carried out on the nasal mucosa to study the morphological changes of epithelial cells and tight junctions, while the change in microsphere morphology was examined using photostereo microscopy (PM). Spray-dried microparticles had a mean diameter (d(vs)) in the range of about 3-10 microm. They showed good in-vitro mucoadhesive properties. In-vitro release profiles and swelling behaviour depended on their composition: the drug release occurred in 1-3 h. Ex-vivo studies showed that drug permeation through the mucosa from microparticles based on chitosan was higher than from those consisting of alginate alone. This can be related to the penetration enhancing properties of chitosan. Complexation of chitosan with alginate led to a control of the drug release. Microscopy observation of microspheres during the permeation tests revealed that microparticles swelled and gelled, maintaining their shape. TEM analyses of the mucosa after exposure to the microparticles consisting of alginate/chitosan showed opened tight junctions. This preliminary study shows that alginate/chitosan spray-dried microspheres have promising properties for use as mucoadhesive nasal carriers of an antiemetic drug.     

Development,optimization and in vitro evaluation of alginate mucoadhesive microspheres of carvedilol for nasal delivery

Abstract

The present research work was aimed at development and optimization of alginate mucoadhesive microspheres of carvedilol for nasal delivery to avoid first pass metabolism and to improve the therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. The microspheres were prepared by a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsification technique. A 2³ factorial design was employed with drug : polymer ratio, calcium chloride concentration and cross-linking time as independent variables while particle size of the microspheres and in vitro mucoadhesion were the dependent variables. Regression analysis was performed to identify the best formulation conditions. Particle size was analysed by dynamic laser light diffraction technique and found to be in the range of 26.36–54.32 µm, which is favourable for intranasal absorption. The shape and surface characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicted the spherical nature and nearly smooth surfaces of the microspheres. The percentage encapsulation efficiency was found to be in the range between 36.62–56.18. In vitro mucoadhesion was performed by adhesion number using sheep nasal mucosa and was observed in a range from 69.25–85.28. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction results indicated a molecular level dispersion of carvedilol in the microspheres. In vitro release studies in pH 6.2 phosphate buffer indicated non-Fickian or anomalous type of transport for the release of carvedilol from the microspheres.     

Design and characterization of chitosan-alginate microspheres for ocular delivery of azelastine

Abstract

The use of mucoadhesive biopolymers is one of the best approaches to prolong the drug residence inside the cul-de-sac, consequently increasing the bioavailability. Thus, the focus of this work was to develop mucoadhesive microspheres to overcome the limitations of ocular drug delivery. The chitosan-sodium alginate microspheres of azelastine hydrochloride were fabricated using modified ionotropic gelation technique. The particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and drug release kinetics were evaluated and characterized by SEM, FT-IR, DSC, in vitro mucoadhesion and in vivo study. The microspheres had average particle size in the range of 3.55 to 6.70?µm and zeta potential +24.55 to +49.56?mV. The fabricated microspheres possess maximum drug entrapment of 73.05% with 65% mucin binding efficiency and revealed a controlled release over the 8-h period following a non-Fickian diffusion. SEM showed that microspheres were distinct solid with irregular shape. FT-IR and DSC results concluded the drug entrapment into microspheres. In vivo studies on ocular rat model revealed that azelastine microspheres had better efficacy. Chitosan sodium alginate microspheres prepared were in particle size range suitable for ocular purpose. In vitro release and in vivo efficacy studies revealed that the microspheres were effective in prolonging the drug’s presence in cul de sac with improved therapeutic efficacy.     

Development, optimization and in vitro evaluation of alginate mucoadhesive microspheres of carvedilol for nasal delivery

The present research work was aimed at development and optimization of alginate mucoadhesive microspheres of carvedilol for nasal delivery to avoid first pass metabolism and to improve the therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. The microspheres were prepared by a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsification technique. A 2(3) factorial design was employed with drug : polymer ratio, calcium chloride concentration and cross-linking time as independent variables while particle size of the microspheres and in vitro mucoadhesion were the dependent variables. Regression analysis was performed to identify the best formulation conditions. Particle size was analysed by dynamic laser light diffraction technique and found to be in the range of 26.36-54.32 microm, which is favourable for intranasal absorption. The shape and surface characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicted the spherical nature and nearly smooth surfaces of the microspheres. The percentage encapsulation efficiency was found to be in the range between 36.62-56.18. In vitro mucoadhesion was performed by adhesion number using sheep nasal mucosa and was observed in a range from 69.25-85.28. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction results indicated a molecular level dispersion of carvedilol in the microspheres. In vitro release studies in pH 6.2 phosphate buffer indicated non-Fickian or anomalous type of transport for the release of carvedilol from the microspheres.     

A novel impinging aerosols method for production of propranolol hydrochloride-loaded alginate gel microspheres for oral delivery

Propranolol hydrochloride was directly encapsulated in alginate gel microspheres (40-50?μm in diameter) using a novel method involving impinging aerosols of CaCl(2) cross-linking solution and sodium alginate solution containing the drug. Microspheres formulated using 0.1?M CaCl(2) exhibited the highest drug loading (14%, w/w of dry microspheres) with 66.5% encapsulation efficiency. Less than 4% and 35% propranolol release occurred from hydrated and dried microspheres, respectively, in 2?h in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The majority of the drug load (90%) was released in 5 and 7?h from hydrated and dried microspheres, respectively, in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Prior incubation of hydrated microspheres (cross-linked using 0.5?M CaCl(2)) in SGF prolonged the time of release in SIF to 10?h, which has implications for the design of protocols and correlation with in?vivo release behaviour. Restricted propranolol release in SGF and complete extraction in SIF demonstrate the potential of alginate gel microspheres for oral delivery of pharmaceuticals.     

Insulin encapsulation in reinforced alginate microspheres prepared by internal gelation.

Insulin-loaded alginate microspheres prepared by emulsification/internal gelation were reinforced by blending with polyanionic additive polymers and/or chitosan-coating in order to increase the protection of insulin at simulated gastric pH and obtain a sustained release at simulated intestinal pH. Polyanionic additive polymers blended with alginate were cellulose acetate phtalate (CAP), Eudragit L100 (EL100), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyphosphate (PP), dextran sulfate (DS) and cellulose sulfate (CS). Chitosan-coating was applied by using a one-stage procedure. The influence of additive polymers and chitosan-coating on the size distribution of microspheres, encapsulation efficiency and release profile of insulin in simulated gastrointestinal pH conditions was studied. The mean diameter of blended microspheres ranged from 65 to 106 microm and encapsulation efficiency of insulin varied from 14 to 100%, reaching a maximum value when CS and DS were incorporated in the alginate matrix. Insulin release, at pH 1.2, was almost prevented by the incorporation of PP, DS and CS. When uncoated microspheres were transferred to pH 6.8, a fast dissolution occurred, independently of the additive polymer blended with alginate, and insulin was completely released. Increasing the additive polymer concentration in the alginate matrix and/or chitosan-coating the blended alginate microspheres did not promote a sustained release of insulin from microspheres at pH 6.8.     

Preparation and release characteristics of polymer-coated and blended alginate microspheres

To prevent a rapid drug release from alginate microspheres in simulated intestinal media, alginate microspheres were coated or blended with polymers. Three polymers were selected and evaluated such as HPMC, Eudragit RS 30D and chitosan, as both coating materials and additive polymers for controlling the drug release. This study focused on the release characteristics of polymer-coated and blended alginate microspheres, varying the type of polymer and its concentration. The alginate microspheres were prepared by dropping the mixture of drug and sodium alginate into CaCl(2) solution using a spray-gun. Polymer-coated microspheres were prepared by adding alginate microspheres into polymer solution with mild stirring. Polymer-blended microspheres were prepared by dropping the mixture of drug, sodium alginate and additive polymer with plasticizer into CaCl(2) solution. In vitro release test was carried out to investigate the release profiles in 500 ml of phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). As the amount of polymer in sodium alginate or coating solution increase, the drug release generally decreased. HPMC-blended microspheres swelled but withstood the disintegration, showing an ideal linear release profiles. Chitosan-coated microspheres showed smooth and round surface and extended the release of drug. In comparison with chitosan-coated microspheres, HPMC-blended alginate microspheres can be easily made and used for controlled drug delivery systems due to convenient process and controlled drug release.     

Chitosan microspheres of aceclofenac: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

The objective of this investigation was to achieve controlled drug release of Aceclofenac (ACE) microspheres and to minimize local side-effects in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Sustained release chitosan microspheres containing ACE were prepared using double-emulsion solvent evaporation method (O/W/O). Chitosan microspheres were prepared by varying drug to polymer ratio (1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6). Microspheres were characterized for morphology, swelling behavior, mucoadhesive properties, FTIR and DSC study, drug loading efficiency, in vitro release, release kinetics, and in vivo study was performed on rat model. ACE-loaded microspheres were successfully prepared having production yield, 57–70% w/w. Drug encapsulation efficiency was ranging from 53–72% w/w, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed particle size of microspheres was between 39 and 55 μm. FTIR spectra and DSC thermograms demonstrated no interaction between drug and polymer. The in vitro release profiles of drug from chitosan microspheres showed sustained-release pattern of the drug in phosphate buffer, pH 6.8. In vitro release data showed correlation (r² > 0.98), good fit with Higuchi/Korsmeyer-Peppas models, and exhibited Fickian diffusion. ACE microspheres demonstrated controlled delivery of aceclofenac and apparently, no G.I.T. erosion was noticed.     

Preparation and characterization of Mitomycin-C loaded chitosan-coated alginate microspheres for chemoembolization

Mitomycin-C loaded and chitosan-coated alginate microspheres were prepared for use in chemoembolization studies. In this respect, first alginate microspheres were prepared by using a spraying method using an extrusion device with a small orifice and following suspension cross-linking in an oil phase. Chitosan-coating onto the alginate microspheres was achieved by polyionic complex formation between alginate and chitosan. CaCl(2) was used as a cross-linker for alginate microspheres. The obtained chitosan-coated alginate microspheres were spherical shaped and approximately 100-400 microm average size. The microspheres were evaluated based on their swellability and the swelling ratio was changed between 50-280%. CaCl(2) concentration, stirring rate, chitosan molecular weight, chitosan concentration and time for coating with chitosan were selected as the effective parameters on microsphere size and swelling ratio. Equilibrium swellings were achieved in approximately 30 min. On the other hand, chitosan molecular weight, chitosan concentration and time for coating with chitosan were found as the most effective parameters on both drug loading ratio and release studies. Maximum drug loading ratio of 65% was achieved with high molecular weight (HMW) chitosan, highest chitosan concentration (i.e. 1.0% v/v) and shortest time for coating with chitosan (i.e. 1 h) values.     

Preparation and characterization of alginate microspheres containing a model antigen

The goal of this study was to evaluate the technological feasibility of delivering antigen using alginate microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by an emulsification technique and fully characterized as antigen delivery system. Selection of appropriate parameters enabled the preparation of alginate microspheres with a mean diameter of 8 μm. The encapsulation efficiency of bovine serum albumin (BSA), chosen as model antigen, as well as the BSA loading were very high (>90% and 10% w/w, respectively). The process of encapsulation did not affect the molecular weight or the antigenicity of the entrapped antigen. The in vitro release profile showed a fast release rate of encapsulated BSA, particularly in phosphate buffered saline solution. However, a decrease of the release rate was observed when alginate microspheres were coated with poly(l-lysine) or prepared with higher alginate molecular weight. Therefore, alginate microspheres appear, technologically, a promising antigen delivery system.     

Development and characterization of mucoadhesive microspheres for nasal delivery of ketorolac

The objective of the present investigation was to prepare mucoadhesive microspheres of ketorolac for nasal administration by means of a solvent evaporation technique using carbopol (CP), polycarbophil (PL) and chitosan (CS) as mucoadhesive polymers. The prepared microspheres were characterized for morphology, swelling behavior, mucoadhesion, interaction studies, drug encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release, release kinetics, and ex vivo nasal cilio toxicity studies. The effects of various process variables on the particle size of the microspheres were investigated. Drug encapsulation efficiency and particle size of the microspheres ranged from 52-78% w/w and 14-46 microm respectively. Interaction studies revealed that there were no drug-polymer interactions. The in vitro release profiles showed prolonged-release of the drug. In vitro release data showed a good fit with the Higuchi model, and indicated Fickian diffusion. No severe damage was found to the integrity of nasal mucosa after ex vivo experiments.     

Mucoadhesive and floating chitosan-coated alginate beads for the controlled gastric release of amoxicillin

This work focused on the development of mucoadhesive and floating chitosan-coated alginate beads as a gastroretensive delivery vehicle for amoxicillin, towards the effective eradication of Helicobacter pylori, a major causative agent of peptic ulcers. Alginate was used as the core bead core polymer and chitosan as the mucoadhesive polymer coating. Amoxicillin-loaded alginate beads coated with 0.5% (w/v) chitosan (ALG/0.5%CHI) exhibited excellent floating ability, high encapsulation efficiency, high drug loading capacity, and a strong in vitro mucoadhesion to the gastric mucosal layer. In vitro, amoxicillin was released faster in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2, HCl) than in simulated intestinal fluid (phosphate buffer, pH 7.4). ALG/0.5%CHI could be prepared with a > 90% drug encapsulation efficiency and exhibited more than 90% muco-adhesiveness, 100% floating ability, and achieved sustained release of amoxicillin for over six hours in SGF.     

Formulation and evaluation of stomach-specific amoxicillin-loaded carbopol-934P mucoadhesive microspheres for anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy

The purpose of this research was to formulate and systemically evaluate in vitro and in vivo performances of mucoadhesive amoxicillin microspheres for the potential use in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, which were associated with Helicobacter pylori. Amoxicillin mucoadhesive microspheres containing carbopol-934P as mucoadhesive polymer and ethyl cellulose as carrier polymer were prepared by an emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Results of preliminary trials indicate that quantity of emulsifying agent, time for stirring, drug-to-polymers ratio and speed of rotation affected the characteristics of microspheres. Microspheres were discrete, spherical, free flowing and showed a good percentage of drug entrapment efficiency. An in vitro mucoadhesive test showed that amoxicillin mucoadhesive microspheres adhered more strongly to the gastric mucous layer and could retain in the gastrointestinal tract for an extended period of time. A 3(2) full factorial design was employed to study the effect of independent variables, drug-to-polymer-to-polymer ratio (amoxicillin-ethyl cellulose-carbopol-934P) (X(1)) and stirring speed (X(2)) on dependent variables, i.e. percentage mucoadhesion, drug entrapment efficiency, particle size and t(80). The best batch exhibited a high drug entrapment efficiency of 56%; mucoadhesion percentage after 1 h was 80% and the particle size was 109 μm. A sustained drug release was obtained for more than 12 h. The drug-to-polymer-to-polymer ratio had a more significant effect on the dependent variables. The morphological characteristics of the mucoadhesive microspheres were studied under a scanning electron microscope. In vitro release test showed that amoxicillin released slightly faster in pH 1.2 hydrochloric acid than in pH 7.8 phosphate buffer. In vivo H. pylori clearance tests were also carried out by administering amoxicillin powder and mucoadhesive microspheres to H. pylori infectious Wistar rats under fed conditions at single dose or multiple dose(s) in oral administration. The results showed that amoxicillin mucoadhesive microspheres had a better clearance effect than amoxicillin powder. In conclusion, the prolonged gastrointestinal residence time and enhanced amoxicillin stability resulting from the mucoadhesive microspheres of amoxicillin might make a contribution to H. pylori complete eradication.     

Doxorubicin loading and eluting characteristics of bioresorbable hydrogel microspheres: in vitro study

Non-bioresorbable drug eluting microspheres are being increasingly used for the treatment of unresectable liver tumors, whereas bioresorbable microspheres have not received much attention. In this study, bioresorbable microspheres prepared from chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose were loaded with doxorubicin (Doxo) via ion-exchange interactions with carboxylic groups in the microspheres. With a 25-40% decrease in the microsphere size depending on their size ranges, the microspheres could load a maximum of 0.3-0.7 mg Doxo/mg dry spheres. As confirmed by confocal microscopy, Doxo was mainly concentrated in the outer 20±5 μm surface layer of the microspheres. The loaded microspheres were stable in aqueous dispersions without aggregation for a prolonged period of time but degradable in a lysozyme solution. Furthermore, the loaded microspheres exhibited a noticeable pH-sensitive behavior with accelerated release of Doxo in acidic environment due to the protonation of carboxylic groups in the microspheres. Compared to commercial non-resorbable drug eluting beads, the loaded bioresorbable microspheres showed a sustained release manner in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The release data were fitted to an empirical relationship, which reveals a non-Fickian transport mechanism (n=0.55-0.59). These results demonstrate that the bioresorbable microspheres are promising as attractive carriers for Doxo.     

Evaluation of diltiazem hydrochloride-loaded mucoadhesive microspheres prepared by emulsification-internal gelation technique

The problems of frequent administration and variable low bioavailability (40-60%) after oral administration of conventional dosage forms of diltiazem can be attenuated by designing it in the form of mucoadhesive microspheres which would prolong the residence time at the absorption site to facilitate intimate contact with the absorption surface and thereby improve and enhance the bioavailability. Diltiazem-loaded mucoadhesive microspheres were successfully prepared by emulsification-internal gelation technique with a maximum incorporation efficiency of 93.29 +/- 0.26%. The scanning electron microscopic study indicated that the microspheres were spherical in shape and the drug remained dispersed in the polymer matrix at amorphous state, which was further confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis. The in vitro wash-off test indicated that the microspheres had good mucoadhesive properties. The wash-off was faster at simulated intestinal fluid (phosphate buffer, pH 7.4) than that at simulated gastric fluid (0.1 M HCl, pH 1.2). The in vitro drug release mechanism was non-fickian type controlled by swelling and relaxation of polymer. There was no significant change in drug content and cumulative drug release of drug-loaded microspheres stored at different storage condition after 8 weeks of study.     

Preparation and characterization of Mitomycin-C loaded chitosan-coated alginate microspheres for chemoembolization

Mitomycin-C loaded and chitosan-coated alginate microspheres were prepared for use in chemoembolization studies. In this respect, first alginate microspheres were prepared by using a spraying method using an extrusion device with a small orifice and following suspension cross-linking in an oil phase. Chitosan-coating onto the alginate microspheres was achieved by polyionic complex formation between alginate and chitosan. CaCl₂ was used as a cross-linker for alginate microspheres. The obtained chitosan-coated alginate microspheres were spherical shaped and ～100–400?µm average size. The microspheres were evaluated based on their swellability and the swelling ratio was changed between 50–280%. CaCl₂ concentration, stirring rate, chitosan molecular weight, chitosan concentration and time for coating with chitosan were selected as the effective parameters on microsphere size and swelling ratio. Equilibrium swellings were achieved in ～30?min. On the other hand, chitosan molecular weight, chitosan concentration and time for coating with chitosan were found as the most effective parameters on both drug loading ratio and release studies. Maximum drug loading ratio of 65% was achieved with high molecular weight (HMW) chitosan, highest chitosan concentration (i.e. 1.0% v/v) and shortest time for coating with chitosan (i.e. 1?h) values.     

A novel multicompartimental system based on aminated poly(vinyl alcohol) microspheres/succinoylated pullulan microspheres for oral delivery of anionic drugs

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microspheres were prepared by dispersion reticulation with glutaraldehyde and further aminated. These microspheres were firstly loaded with diclofenac (DF) and then entrapped in cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) microcapsules by an o/w solvent evaporation technique for intestinal delivery of drug. The encapsulated PVA microspheres due to their low swelling degree in intestinal fluids, do not have enough force to produce the disruption of CAB shell, therefore different amounts of succinoylated pullulan microspheres (SP-Ms) (exchange capacity up to 5.2 meq/g) were co-encapsulated. The SP-Ms do not swell in acidic pH, but swell up to 20-times in intestinal fluids causing the rupture of CAB shell and facilitating the escape of loaded PVA microspheres.