Diffusion loading and drug delivery characteristics of alginate gel microparticles produced by a novel impinging aerosols method

Microencapsulation of a hydrophilic active (gentamicin sulphate (GS)) and a hydrophobic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) in alginate gel microparticles was accomplished by molecular diffusion of the drug species into microparticles produced by impinging aerosols of alginate solution and CaCl₂ cross-linking solution. A mean particle size in the range of 30–50 µm was measured using laser light scattering and high drug loadings of around 35 and 29% weight/dry microparticle weight were obtained for GS and ibuprofen respectively. GS release was similar in simulated intestinal fluid (phosphate buffer saline (PBS), pH 7.4, 37°C) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) (HCl, pH 1.2, 37°C) but was accelerated in PBS following incubation of microparticles in HCl. Ibuprofen release was restricted in SGF but occurred freely on transfer of microparticles into PBS with almost 100% efficiency. GS released in PBS over 7?h, following incubation of microparticles in HCl for 2?h was found to retain at least 80% activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis while Ibuprofen retained around 50% activity against Candida albicans. The impinging aerosols technique shows potential for producing alginate gel microparticles of utility for protection and controlled delivery of a range of therapeutic molecules.     

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.     

Evaluation of potential of Zn-pectinate gel (ZPG) microparticles containing mesalazine for colonic drug delivery

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Pectin derivatives have been utilized for colonic drug delivery (CDD). In this study the effects of different formulation variables upon the characteristics of pectinate microparticles (MPs) prepared by ionotropic gelation technique for colonic delivery of mesalazine was investigated. METHODS: In-vitro drug release of MPs was studied using USP XXIV dissolution apparatus type I, in different fluids e.g. simulated gastric fluid (SGF: pH 1.2), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF: pH 7.4), and simulated colonic fluid (SCF: pH 6.8) of volume 900 ml, at 100 rpm maintained at 37±0.2°C. This study was also performed in the presence of 4% w/v rat caecal content (RCC) using phosphate buffer saline (pH 6.8) as SCF. Gamma scintigraphy study was performed on New Zealand rabbit animal model using (99m) Tc. RESULTS: The results showed that maximum entrapment of mesalazine (86.1±1.7%) and strength of gel network zinc pectinate gel microparticles (ZPGD2) was achieved in cross-linking solution of pH 1.6. Batch of ZPGD2 showed least swelling ratio and drug release. In RCC medium the t(50%) value of CPG-MPs was 3-4 folds greater than ZPG-MPs. Scintigram showed the residence of ZPG-MPs (filled in enteric coated capsule) in colon more than 9 hrs and delivery of almost all the drug loading dose in colon. MAJOR CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest the designed formulation of ZPG-MPs has the potential to serve as a colonic drug delivery system.     

Formulation strategies for achieving high delivery efficiency of thymoquinone-containing Nigella sativa extract to the colon based on oral alginate microcapsules for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Nigella sativa extract (NSE) was incorporated in alginate microcapsules using aerosolisation and homogenisation methods, respectively, with the aim of delivering high concentrations of the active species, thymoquinone (TQ), directly to sites of inflammation in the colon following oral administration. Encapsulation of NSE was accomplished either by direct loading or diffusion into blank microparticles. Microcapsules in the size range 40–60 µm exhibited significantly higher NSE loading up to 42% w/w and encapsulation efficiency (EE) up to 63% when the extract was entrapped by direct encapsulation compared with 4.1 w/w loading, 6.2% EE when NSE was incorporated by diffusion loading. Sequential exposure of samples to simulated intestinal fluids (SIFs) revealed that the microcapsules suppressed NSE release in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 2?h and SIF for 4?h and liberated most of the NSE content (80%) in simulated colonic fluid (SCF) over 18?h. NSE released in SCF at 12?h exhibited antioxidant activity, when measured using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay at levels comparable with the activity of unencapsulated extract. These findings demonstrate the potential of oral alginate microcapsules as highly efficient, targeted carriers for colonic delivery of NSE in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.     

Preparation of dual crosslinked alginate-chitosan blend gel beads and in vitro controlled release in oral site-specific drug delivery system

Alginate-chitosan (ALG-CS) blend gel beads were prepared based on Ca2+ or dual crosslinking with various proportions of alginate and chitosan. The homogeneous solution of alginate and chitosan was dripped into the solution of calcium chloride; the resultant Ca2+ single crosslinked beads were dipped in the solution of sodium sulfate sequentially to prepare dual crosslinked beads. The dual crosslinkage effectively promoted the stability of beads under gastrointestinal tract conditions. The sustained release profiles of single and dual crosslinked gel beads loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model protein drug, were investigated in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated colonic fluid (SCF). In SGF, compared to Ca2+ single crosslinked beads, from which BSA released fast and the cumulative drug release percentages were about 80% of all formations in 4 h, the BSA total release from dual crosslinked gel beads was no more than 3% in 8 h. In SIF and SCF, Ca2+ single crosslinked beads were disrupted soon associating with the fast drug release. As to the dual crosslinked beads, the BSA total release from the ALG-CS mass ratio 9:1 (81.24%) was higher than that of 7:3 and 5:5 (less than 60%) in 8 h in SIF; the BSA release from all beads was much faster in SCF than in SIF. The dual crosslinked beads incubated in gastrointestinal tract conditions, the BSA cumulative release of ALG-CS mass ratios 9:1, 7:3 and 5:5 were respectively 2.35, 1.96, 1.76% (in SGF 4 h), 82.86, 78.83, 52.91% (in SIF 3 h) and 97.84, 96.81, 87.26% (in SCF 3 h), which suggested that the dual crosslinked beads have potential small intestine or colon site-specific drug delivery property.     

Novel alginate gel microspheres produced by impinging aerosols for oral delivery of proteins

Lysozyme and insulin were encapsulated in alginate gel microspheres using impinging aerosols method. High loadings of around 50% weight/dry microspheres weight were obtained with encapsulation efficiencies of at least 48%. Environmental scanning electron microscopy revealed smooth spherical hydrated microspheres (30-60 μm) in diameter. No lysozyme or insulin release was measured in simulated gastric fluid (HCl, pH 1.2, 37°C). Total insulin release occurred in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF; phosphate buffer saline, pH 7.4, 37°C) in 8 h following 2 h incubation in SGF and was found to retain 75% activity using the ARCHITECT? assay. Lysozyme was released completely in SIF in 10 h following 2 h incubation in SGF and was found to exhibit at least 80% bioactivity using the Micrococcus lysodeikticus assay. The absence of protein release in HCl and the retention of high levels of biological activity demonstrate the potential of alginate gel microspheres, for improving oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals.     

Microencapsulation of Chlorpheniramine Maleate–Resin Particles with Crosslinked Chitosan for Sustained Release

ABSTRACT

Formulation and preparation parameters of drug/ion-exchange particles microencapsulated in cross-linked chitosan were evaluated for controlled release of the water-soluble drug chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) in a suspension. An emulsion solvent evaporation method was used to produce CPM-resinates embedded in glutaraldehyde (GTA) crosslinked chitosan microspheres (MCSs). Crosslinking extent in the chitosan was monitored by swelling measurements. Controlled release was evaluated by dissolution tests in simulated gastric fluid without enzyme (SGF) and in simulated intestinal fluid without enzyme (SIF). CPM-resinates contained 62% (w/w) of drug. MCSs were spherical, ranging from 82 to 420 μm in diameter, and contained multiple resinates. The sizes of MCSs prepared with safflower oil and Span 80 were controlled by surfactant concentration, stirring speed, and duration of stirring. Maximum crosslinking was produced with 240 mg GTA per 250 mg of chitosan. Maximum drug release from free CPM-resinates was about 60% by 1 hr in SGF, and was about 100% by 3 hr in SIF. CPM release was slower from MCSs crosslinked with 120 mg of GTA compared to 5 mg GTA in both media. By 8.3 hr, the more crosslinked MCSs released about 30% CPM in SGF, and about 60% in SIF. Because of the apparent ceiling on release in SGF, the final experiments were conducted in SIF. Increasing the weight ratio of the chitosan coating to CPM-resinate ratio from 1:1 to 4:1 moderately decreased release profiles carried out to 33 hr. Increasing MCS diameters from 82 to 163 μm moderately decreased release profiles. Microencapsulation of CPM-resinates with crosslinked chitosan demonstrated controlled release of CPM in SGF and SIF without enzymes. The retardation effect increased when the crosslinking extent and chitosan to resin ratio increased.     

Coated whey protein/alginate microparticles as oral controlled delivery systems for probiotic yeast

Viable Saccharomyces boulardii, used as a biotherapeutic agent, was encapsulated in food-grade whey protein isolate (WP) and alginate (ALG) microparticles, in order to protect and vehicle them in gastrointestinal environment. Yeast-loaded microparticles with a WP/ALG ratio of 62/38 were produced with high encapsulation efficiency (95%) using an extrusion/cold gelation method and coated with ALG or WP by a simple immersion method. Swelling, yeast survival, WP loss and yeast release in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF and SIF, pH 1.2 and 7.5) with and without their respective digestive enzymes (pepsin and pancreatin) were investigated. In SGF, ALG network shrinkage limited enzyme diffusion into the WP/ALG matrix. Coated and uncoated WP/ALG microparticles were resistant in SGF even with pepsin. Survival of yeast cells in microparticles was 40% compared to 10% for free yeast cells and was improved to 60% by coating. In SIF, yeast cell release followed coated microparticle swelling with a desirable delay. Coated WP/ALG microparticles appear to have potential as oral delivery systems for Saccharomyces boulardii or as encapsulation means for probiotic cells in pharmaceutical or food processing applications.     

In vitro evaluation of a pH-sensitive hydrogel for control of GI drug delivery from silicone-based matrices

The release of drugs having very different aqueous solubilities and partitioning properties, such as salicylamide (SAM), nicotinamide (NAM), clonidine·HCl (CHC) and prednisolone (PDN), from 1 mm thick silicone discs containing, in dispersion, around 35 wt% medicated granules of a pH-sensitive hydrogel, is studied in vitro. The hydrogel is a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA):poly(ethylene oxide) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). The matrices are eluted with simulated GI fluids, i.e., with a medium of pH 1.2 for 2 h, followed by a medium of pH 6.8 for 2 h, followed by a medium of pH 7.4 for 5 h. The release rate pattern is always bimodal and is determined by the pH-dependent swelling of the IPN granules in matrix. In simulated gastric fluid (SGF) the IPN swelling degree is low and the release is limited to an initial burst, followed by a rapid decline. In simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), PAA in the IPN becomes ionized, the IPN swelling degree increases and the release rate rises to a second maximum. The drug fraction released is always preponderant in SIF compared to SGF. The matrix swelling and drug release rates are influenced by the granule size. With a loading dose of 5 wt% in IPN granules in the 355–425 μm size range, SAM, NAM and PDN show the same release rates in SIF. Differences arise when the load is raised to 20 wt% and/or the granule size range is reduced to 105–250 μm. CHC shows an ionic interaction with PAA in the IPN, which limits the release rate in SIF. The release of drugs not ionically interacting with PAA is virtually uninfluenced by ample variations in osmolality, ionic strength and buffer molarity of dissolution medium.     

Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of poly[N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-polyethylene glycol diacrylate]-chitosan interpolymeric pH-responsive hydrogels for oral drug delivery

Biocompatible and biodegradable pH-responsive hydrogels based on N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PAC) and chitosan were prepared for controlled drug delivery. These interpolymeric hydrogels were synthesized by a free radical polymerization technique using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) as crosslinker. These hydrogels were subjected to equilibrium swelling studies in enzyme-free simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF and SIF). These swelling studies clearly indicated that these hydrogels were swollen more in SGF when compared to SIF. Theophylline and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were entrapped into these hydrogels and equilibrium-swelling studies were carried out for the drug-entrapped gels in enzyme-free SGF and SIF. The in-vitro release profiles of the drugs were established in enzyme-free SGF. More than 50% of the entrapped drugs were released in the first 2 h at gastric pH and the rest of the drug release was slower.     

Preparation and Characterization of Freeze-dried Chitosan-Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Hydrogels for Site-Specific Antibiotic Delivery in the Stomach

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop novel drug delivery systems with pH-sensitive swelling and drug release properties for localized antibiotic delivery in the stomach. Methods. The drug delivery systems were synthesized by crosslinking chitosan and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in a blend to form semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN). Scanning electron microscopy was used to compare the surface and bulk morphology of the freeze-dried and air-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN. The hydrogels were allowed to swell and release the antibiotics—amoxicillin and metronidazole—in enzyme-free simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.2) at 37°C. Results. Freeze-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN with a porous matrix had swollen extensively as compared to the air-dried hydrogel. The swelling ratio of freeze-dried and air-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN after 1 h in SGF was 16.1 and 2.30, respectively. More than 65% of the entrapped amoxicillin and 59% of metronidazole were released from the freeze-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN after 2 h in SGF. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that freeze-dried chitosan-PEO semi-IPN could be useful for localized delivery of antibiotics in the acidic environment of the gastric fluid.     

Microencapsulation of a probiotic bacteria with alginate–gelatin and its properties

Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393-loaded microcapsules based on alginate and gelatin had been prepared by extrusion method and the product could increase the cell numbers of L. casei ATCC 393 to be 10⁷ CFU g^?1 in the dry state of microcapsules. The microparticles homogeneously distributed with size of 1.1 ± 0.2 mm. Four kinds of microcapsules (S₁, S₂, S₃ and S₄) exhibited swelling in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) while the beads eroded and disintegrated rapidly in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Cells of L. casei ATCC 393 could be continuously released from the microcapsules during simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the release amounts and speeds in SIF were much higher and faster than that in SGF. Encapsulation in alginate–gelatin microcapsules successfully improved the survival of L. casei ATCC 393 and this approach might be useful in delivery of probiotic cultures as a functional food.     

Development and Evaluation of Microbial Degradation Dependent Compression Coated Secnidazole Tablets for Colonic Delivery

The present paper describes development of a polysaccharide based compression coated tablets of secnidazole for colon delivery. Core tablet containing secnidazole was compression coated with various proportions of guar gum, xanthan gum and chitosan, either alone or in combinations. Drug release studies were performed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 h followed by simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.4) up to 24 h. Secnidazole release from the prepared formulations was dependent on the type and concentration of polymer used in the formulation. Tablets coating containing either guar gum or xanthan gum showed ~30-40% drug release in 8 h. Further, in vitro dissolution studies of selected formulations performed in the dissolution media with rat caecal contents showed 54.48±0.24 - 60.42±0.16% of drug release. Formulations with single polymer in coating layer were unsuitable for targeting secnidazole release to colon region. Combination of chitosan with guar gum or xanthan gum exhibited control over secnidazole release.     

Formulation of novel sustained release rifampicin-loaded solid lipid microparticles based on structured lipid matrices from Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Objectives: To formulate sustained release rifampicin-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) using structured lipid matrices based on Moringa oil (MO) and Phospholipon 90G (P90G).

Methods: Rifampicin-loaded and unloaded SLMs were formulated by melt homogenization and characterized in terms of particle morphology and size, percentage drug content (PDC), pH stability, stability in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and in vitro release. In vivo release was studied in Wistar rats.

Results: Rifampicin-loaded SLMs had particle size range of 32.50?±?2.10 to 34.0?±?8.40?μm, highest PDC of 87.6% and showed stable pH. SLMs had good sustained release properties with about 77.1% release at 12?h in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and 80.3% drug release at 12?h in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.4). SLMs exhibited 48.51% degradation of rifampicin in SGF at 3?h, while rifampicin pure sample had 95.5% degradation. Formulations exhibited MIC range of 0.781 to 1.562, 31.25 to 62.5 and 6.25 to 12.5?μg/ml against Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis respectively and had higher in vivo absorption than the reference rifampicin (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: Rifampicin-loaded SLMs could be used once daily for the treatment tuberculosis.     

Novel alginate gel microspheres produced by impinging aerosols for oral delivery of proteins

Lysozyme and insulin were encapsulated in alginate gel microspheres using impinging aerosols method. High loadings of around 50% weight/dry microspheres weight were obtained with encapsulation efficiencies of at least 48%. Environmental scanning electron microscopy revealed smooth spherical hydrated microspheres (30–60?µm) in diameter. No lysozyme or insulin release was measured in simulated gastric fluid (HCl, pH 1.2, 37°C). Total insulin release occurred in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF; phosphate buffer saline, pH 7.4, 37°C) in 8?h following 2?h incubation in SGF and was found to retain 75% activity using the ARCHITECT® assay. Lysozyme was released completely in SIF in 10?h following 2?h incubation in SGF and was found to exhibit at least 80% bioactivity using the Micrococcus lysodeikticus assay. The absence of protein release in HCl and the retention of high levels of biological activity demonstrate the potential of alginate gel microspheres, for improving oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals.     

Microencapsulation of a probiotic bacteria with alginate-gelatin and its properties

Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393-loaded microcapsules based on alginate and gelatin had been prepared by extrusion method and the product could increase the cell numbers of L. casei ATCC 393 to be 10(7) CFU g(-1) in the dry state of microcapsules. The microparticles homogeneously distributed with size of 1.1 ± 0.2 mm. Four kinds of microcapsules (S(1), S(2), S(3) and S(4)) exhibited swelling in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) while the beads eroded and disintegrated rapidly in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Cells of L. casei ATCC 393 could be continuously released from the microcapsules during simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the release amounts and speeds in SIF were much higher and faster than that in SGF. Encapsulation in alginate-gelatin microcapsules successfully improved the survival of L. casei ATCC 393 and this approach might be useful in delivery of probiotic cultures as a functional food.     

Design,development and optimization of oral colon targeted drug delivery system of azathioprine using biodegradable polymers

The present study was aimed at designing a microflora triggered colon targeted drug delivery system (MCDDS) based on swellable polysaccharide, Sterculia gum in combination with biodegradable polymers with a view to specifically deliver azathioprine in the colonic region for the treatment of IBD with reduced systemic toxicity. The microflora degradation properties of Sterculia gum was investigated in rat caecal phosphate buffer medium. The polysaccharide tablet cores were coated to different film thicknesses with blends of Eudragit RLPO and chitosan and overcoated with Eudragit L00 to provide acid and intestinal resistance. Swelling and drug release studies were carried out in simulated gastric fluid, SGF (pH 1.2), simulated intestinal fluid, SIF (pH 6.8) and simulated colonic fluid, SCF (pH 7.4 under anaerobic environment), respectively. Drug release study in SCF revealed that swelling force of the Sterculia gum could concurrently drive the drug out of the polysaccharide core due to the rupture of the chitosan/Eudargit coating in microflora activated environment. The degradation of chitosan was the rate-limiting factor for drug release in the colon. Drug release from the MCDDS was directly proportional to the concentration of the pore former (chitosan), but inversely related to the Eudragit RLPO coating thickness.     

羟丙基甲基纤维素的凝胶特性及其对曲尼司特缓释片释放行为的影响

目的：研究羟丙基甲基纤维素(HPMC)的凝胶特性及其对曲尼司特缓释片释放行为的影响。方法：采用称重法、图像法和体积测量法,研究HPMC辅料片和曲尼司特缓释片在不同pH环境中的水合度和溶胀度。结果：辅料片在SGF和SIF中的水合速率常数分别为0.897 h-1和0.681 h-1;溶胀速率常数分别为1.005 h^-1和0.713 h^-1。曲尼司特缓释片在SGF中,在0.5 h内迅速水合和溶胀,其后呈负增长;而在SIF中,重量和体积都缓慢增加,5 h后重量稍有下降,体积保持不变。结论：HPMC水凝胶的形成速度和形态与介质的pH有关,凝胶层的溶蚀速度控制药物的释放。     

Microencapsulation of chlorpheniramine maleate-resin particles with crosslinked chitosan for sustained release

Formulation and preparation parameters of drug/ion-exchange particles microencapsulated in cross-linked chitosan were evaluated for controlled release of the water-soluble drug chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) in a suspension. An emulsion solvent evaporation method was used to produce CPM-resinates embedded in glutaraldehyde (GTA) crosslinked chitosan microspheres (MCSs). Crosslinking extent in the chitosan was monitored by swelling measurements. Controlled release was evaluated by dissolution tests in simulated gastric fluid without enzyme (SGF) and in simulated intestinal fluid without enzyme (SIF). CPM-resinates contained 62% (w/w) of drug. MCSs were spherical, ranging from 82 to 420 microns in diameter, and contained multiple resinates. The sizes of MCSs prepared with safflower oil and Span 80 were controlled by surfactant concentration, stirring speed, and duration of stirring. Maximum crosslinking was produced with 240 mg GTA per 250 mg of chitosan. Maximum drug release from free CPM-resinates was about 60% by 1 hr in SGF, and was about 100% by 3 hr in SIF. CPM release was slower from MCSs crosslinked with 120 mg of GTA compared to 5 mg GTA in both media. By 8.3 hr, the more crosslinked MCSs released about 30% CPM in SGF, and about 60% in SIF. Because of the apparent ceiling on release in SGF, the final experiments were conducted in SIF. Increasing the weight ratio of the chitosan coating to CPM-resinate ratio from 1:1 to 4:1 moderately decreased release profiles carried out to 33 hr. Increasing MCS diameters from 82 to 163 microns moderately decreased release profiles. Microencapsulation of CPM-resinates with crosslinked chitosan demonstrated controlled release of CPM in SGF and SIF without enzymes. The retardation effect increased when the crosslinking extent and chitosan to resin ratio increased.     

In vitro evaluation of drug release from self micro-emulsifying drug delivery systems using a biodegradable homolipid from Capra hircus

Self micro-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) are specialized form of delivery systems in which drugs are encapsulated in a lipid base with or without a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. In this work, SMEDDS were formulated with a biodegradable homolipid from Capra hircus and Tween 65, and contained lipophilic drug-piroxicam, hydrophilic drug-chlorpheniramine maleate and hydrolipophilic drug-metronidazole. The SMEDDS formulated were evaluated for their drug release and drug content. The drug release studies were conducted in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and distilled water, representing different pH values. Particle size of the SMEDDS was determined by light microscopy. The results of this study indicated that drug release was affected by the particle size of the SMEDDS. It was found that piroxicam release from the SMEDDS formulated with homolipids from Capra hircus was highest in SIF compared to the other drugs. This method of drug delivery could prove to be a versatile and reliable alternative to conventional drug delivery approaches.