Formulation and evaluation of sustained release microspheres of poly-lactide-co-glycolide containing tamoxifen citrate

Tamoxifen citrate, a non-steroidal anti-oestrogen has potential applications in treatment of breast cancer. Biodegradable microspheres of' PLGA 65:35 were prepared by o/w emulsification solvent evaporation method. In this study, different batches of varying concentration of drug, polymer, polyvinyl alcohol and solvent were prepared. All the batches prepared were characterized by particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release behaviour. Drug, polymer and PVA concentrations were varied to obtain optimum release profile for sustaining the action of drug.     

Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of sustained-release metoclopramide hydrochloride microspheres

Abstract

Sustained-release metoclopramide microspheres were successfully prepared using cellulose propionate polymer at 1:2 drug to polymer ratio employing solvent evaporation technique and using acetone as the polymer solvent. The prepared microspheres at three stirring speeds were characterized with regard to their drug content, particle size distribution, surface topography using SEM and their release profiles at two different pHs at 37°C. The surface of all samples was smooth with very few irregular elevations or depressions. The average particle size decreases as the rotational speed increases and was found to be 1320, 774 and 345 μm at 600, 900 and 1200rpm, respectively. The average % drug entrapped was found to be 90.5, 100.1 and 60.0% at 600, 900 and 1200 rpm, respectively. Small differences in the release rate were observed due to different rotation speeds with an apparent lower dissolution for batches produced at 1200 rpm probably due to the properties of the coat. The effect of storage under accelerated conditions for 10 weeks on the release characteristics of these microspheres was also studied. The release properties of the microspheres did not change after storing them at 40°C/80% relative humidity for 10 weeks.     

Preparation and evaluation of microcapsules using polymerized rosin as a novel wall forming material

Sustained release diclofenac sodium microcapsules were prepared using polymerized rosin as a novel wall-forming material by a solvent evaporation technique. A novel method developed in our laboratory with the potential for scale-up and production of polymerized rosin microcapsules is detailed. These microcapsules might have application for development of implant/depot systems, primarily due to a sustained/controlled release capability and potential biocompatibility of polymerized rosin. The effect of variables like solvent systems, stirring speed and temperature were previously optimized. The solution system of drug and polymerized rosin dissolved in iso-propyl alcohol and acetone is sprayed with the help of a 0.5 mm nozzle spray gun in liquid paraffin maintained at 60 degrees C in the stirring condition. Varying drug:polymer ratios, namely 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 1:3 and 3:1, were employed for microcapsule preparation. The prepared microcapsules were evaluated for size, shape, drug content and in vitro drug release. The morphology of microcapsules was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The microcapsules show sustained release curves at pH 7.4 phosphate buffer for up to 10 h. The data obtained from the dissolution profiles were compared in the light of different kinetics models and the regression coefficients were compared. The in vitro dissolution study confirmed the Higuchi-order release pattern. Particle size and release data analysis from five consecutive batches prepared in the laboratory indicated suitable reproducibility of the proposed solvent evaporation process.     

Spherical crystallization of ezetimibe for improvement in physicochemical and micromeritic properties

Spherical agglomerates of ezetimibe (EZT) were prepared with hydrophilic polymers; polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 (PVP) and/or poloxamer 188 (poloxamer) at drug to polymer ratios of 1:1 (w/w) by spherical crystallization technique, in order to improve its physicochemical and micromeritic properties. Three different bridging liquids; chloroform, dichloromethane and/or ethyl acetate along with good solvent acetone and poor solvent water were used to form six batches of agglomerates. Initial characterization of all batches in terms of micromeritic and physicochemical properties resulted in optimization of (A3, EZT:PVP:ethyl acetate) and (B3, EZT:poloxamer:ethyl acetate) batches and hence further investigated for drug–polymer interaction, crystallinity and morphology using FTIR, XRPD, DSC and SEM techniques. The results indicated presence of hydrogen bonding, crystallinity and spherical shape in agglomerates. Therefore, the optimized agglomerates (B3) were directly compressed into tablet. Unfortunately, drug release from the tablet was not satisfactory, suggesting a need of disintegrant from dissolution point of view. Therefore, these agglomerates were recompressed incorporating certain excipients and evaluated as per pharmacopoeia. The dissolution rate of prepared tablet was similar to that of marketed tablet (p > 0.05). It could be concluded that spherical crystallization could be one of the effective and alternative approaches for improved performance of EZT and its tablet formulation.     

Determination of microsphere solidification time in the solvent evaporation process

The aim of this work was to define the time of microsphere solidification during the solvent evaporation process. Microspheres were prepared by the solvent evaporation method, using acetone/liquid paraffin solvent system, ketoprofen as a model drug and Eudragit RS as a matrix polymer. Two sets of experiments were performed--in the first one the initial temperature of the emulsion system was 5 degrees C and in the second one 25 degrees C. In each set, two batches of microspheres were compared at constant emulsion stirring rate 250 and 1000 rpm and intermediate batches where the emulsion stirring rate was lowered from 1000 to 250 rpm at pre-defined times after the beginning of the inner phase solvent evaporation. By comparison of the properties of these microspheres, an insight was obtained into the mechanism of microspheres formation. The criterion for determination of microsphere solidification time was the resemblance between the microsphere properties of the batches prepared by stirring rate change and the batch prepared by constant stirring at 1000 rpm. A stirring rate change after the solidification has no influence on microsphere properties, that means that they are the same as of the batch prepared by constant stirring at 1000 rpm. The results of the sieve analysis and particle size distribution of microspheres show that the time of microspheres solidification is in the interval between 15-20 min if the initial temperature is 5 degrees C and between 10-20 min if the initial temperature is 25 degrees C. From the release profiles of ketoprofen, one can infer that the times of solidification for both initial temperatures are a bit lower. The microscopic pictures, which enable one to follow the processes in the system, confirmed the result obtained by the sieve analysis. In spite of its inability to distinguish between single particles and agglomerates, the sieve analysis enabled one to determine the actual time of solidification, while the drug release determination was not sensitive enough to trace small differences in surface area due to particles aggregation.     

Low density porous carrier drug adsorption and release study by response surface methodology using different solvents

Low density porous carriers are widely used in the pharmaceutical applications. Response surface methodology, using 3(2) factorial design was used to study drug adsorption on and its release patterns from microporous polypropylene (Accurel MP 1000) in the absence of additives. Ibuprofen, as model drug, was adsorbed on the polymer by solvent evaporation using two organic solvents methanol (M) and dichloromethane (DCM). The amount of carrier (100 mg) and its particle size range (250-350 microm) were kept invariant while solvent volume (X1) and drug amount (X2) were taken as variables. Drug adsorption pattern depended on the type and amount of solvent used. DSC, XRD, FTIR and TGA, predict crystalline nature and physical form of adsorption. SEM showed the penetration and adsorption of the drug in and on the microporous polymer. Accurel MP 1000 had a pore volume of 1.992 g/cm3 and surface area of 55.9855 m2/g as detected by mercury porosimetery. On drug adsorption, pore volume ranged from 0.413 to 1.198 g/cm3 for methanol and 0.280-0.759 g/cm3 for DCM. Similarly surface area was in the range 38.445-25.497 m2/g for methanol and 18.710-32.528m2/g for DCM. The drug release was investigated in phosphate buffer pH 7.2. All batches showed excellent in vitro floating property. Drug release was partial with recovery to complete dependent on type and volume of solvent. R2 values relating to bulk density, pore volume, surface area and drug release at 60, 120 and 180 min were estimated. Effect of solvent properties shows a positive influence on drug adsorption and release. Release profiles of some batches could be considered as gastroretentive drug delivery system.     

Floating microspheres of cimetidine: formulation, characterization and in vitro evaluation

The present study involves preparation and evaluation of floating microspheres with cimetidine as model drug for prolongation of gastric residence time. The microspheres were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using polymers hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose. The shape and surface morphology of prepared microspheres were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. In vitro drug release studies were performed and drug release kinetics was evaluated using the linear regression method. Effects of the stirring rate during preparation, polymer concentration, solvent composition and dissolution medium on the size of microspheres and drug release were also observed. The prepared microspheres exhibited prolonged drug release (approximately 8 h) and remained buoyant for > 10 h. The mean particle size increased and the drug release rate decreased at higher polymer concentration. No significant effect of the stirring rate during preparation on drug release was observed. In vitro studies demonstrated diffusion-controlled drug release from the microspheres.     

Microparticles prepared by grinding of polymeric films

Microparticles were prepared by a film grinding method, whereby thin drug-containing ethylcellulose films were cryogenically ground into microparticles. The particle size and shape of the microparticles could be controlled by the thickness of the films and by the milling time. The encapsulation efficiency as well as the in vitro drug release depended on the physical state of the drug in the ethylcellulose matrix (dispersed vs dissolved). Increased drug loadings and decreased particle size and film thickness increased the drug release. Microparticles prepared from cast films were more dense and had a slower drug release compared to microparticles prepared from sprayed films or from films prepared from an aqueous colloidal ethylcellulose dispersion, Aquacoat ECD. Lamination of the drug-containing film with a drug-free polymer layer on both sides resulted in a reduced drug release. Hydrophilic plasticizers acted as pore-formers and accelerated drug release, while lipophilic plasticizers reduced the drug release. The solubility of the drug in the organic polymer solution was one of the main parameters to achieve high encapsulation efficiencies and extended drug release, while dispersed drug was released much faster. The drug release from microparticles prepared by film grinding was faster than from microparticles prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The faster release was attributed to the fractured surface of the ground particles. Grinding of microparticles, which were prepared by the solvent evaporation, also resulted in a faster release.     

Development of Biodegradable Starch Microspheres for Intranasal Delivery

Domperidone microspheres for intranasal administration were prepared by emulsification crosslinking technique. Starch a biodegradable polymer was used in preparation of microspheres using epichlorhydrine as cross-linking agent. The formulation variables were drug concentration and polymer concentration and batch of drug free microsphere was prepared for comparisons. All the formulations were evaluated for particle size, morphological characteristics, percentage drug encapsulation, equilibrium swelling degree, percentage mucoadhesion, bioadhesive strength, and in vitro diffusion study using nasal cell. Spherical microspheres were obtained in all batches with mean diameter in the range of above 22.8 to 102.63 μm. They showed good mucoadhesive property and swelling behaviour. The in vitro release was found in the range of 73.11% to 86.21%. Concentration of both polymer and drug affect in vitro release of drug.     

Preparation and characterization of ibuprofen microspheres

Ibuprofen was microencapsulated with Eudragit RS using an o/w emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effects of three formulation variables including the drug:polymer ratio, emulsifier (polyvinyl alcohol) concentration and organic solvent (chloroform) volume on the entrapment efficiency and microspheres size distribution were examined. The drug release rate from prepared microspheres and the release kinetics were also studied. The results demonstrated that microspheres with good range of particle size can be prepared, depending on the formulation components. The drug:polymer ratio had a considerable effect on the entrapment efficiency. However, particle size distribution of microspheres was more dependent on the volume of chloroform and polyvinyl alcohol concentration rather than the drug:polymer ratio. The drug release pattern showed a burst effect for all prepared microspheres due to the presence of uncovered drug crystals on the surface. It was shown that the release profiles of all formulations showed good correlation with the Higuchi model of release.     

Preparation and characterization of ibuprofen microspheres

Ibuprofen was microencapsulated with Eudragit RS using an o/w emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effects of three formulation variables including the drug:polymer ratio, emulsifier (polyvinyl alcohol) concentration and organic solvent (chloroform) volume on the entrapment efficiency and microspheres size distribution were examined. The drug release rate from prepared microspheres and the release kinetics were also studied. The results demonstrated that microspheres with good range of particle size can be prepared, depending on the formulation components. The drug:polymer ratio had a considerable effect on the entrapment efficiency. However, particle size distribution of microspheres was more dependent on the volume of chloroform and polyvinyl alcohol concentration rather than the drug:polymer ratio. The drug release pattern showed a burst effect for all prepared microspheres due to the presence of uncovered drug crystals on the surface. It was shown that the release profiles of all formulations showed good correlation with the Higuchi model of release.     

A novel in situ forming drug delivery system for controlled parenteral drug delivery

The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro drug (diltiazem hydrochloride and buserelin acetate) release from different in situ forming biodegradable drug delivery systems, namely polymer solutions (in situ implants) and in situ microparticle (ISM) systems. The drug release from ISM systems [poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) or poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-solution dispersed into an external oil phase] was investigated as a function of the type of solvent and polymer, polymer concentration and internal polymer phase:external oil phase ratio and was compared to the drug release from in situ implant systems and microparticles prepared by conventional methods (solvent evaporation or film grinding). Upon contact with the release medium, the internal polymer phase of the ISM system solidified and formed microparticles. The initial drug release from ISM systems decreased with increasing polymer concentration and decreasing polymer phase:external oil phase ratio. The type of biocompatible solvent also affected the drug release. It decreased in the rank order DMSO>NMP>2-pyrrolidone. In contrast to the release of the low molecular weight diltiazem hydrochloride, the peptide release (buserelin acetate) was strongly dependent on the polymer degradation/erosion. One advantage of the ISM system when compared to in situ implant systems was the significantly reduced burst effect because of the presence of an external oil phase. ISM systems resulted in drug release profiles comparable to the drug release of microparticles prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Therefore, the ISM systems are an attractive alternative to existing complicated microencapsulation methods.     

利福平丝素蛋白载药微球的制备及性能研究

目的通过测定利福平丝素蛋白微球的载药量、包封率及释放度,考察乳化转速、有机溶剂与丝素蛋白溶液比例,对微球的制备方法进行优化,筛选微球的最佳制备方法。方法采用乳化法制备利福平丝素蛋白微球,以不同转速、有机溶剂与丝素蛋白溶液不同比例分别制备利福平丝素蛋白微球,采用扫描电镜观察微球的形态,用紫外分光光度法测定微球的载药量、包封率及释放度,以形态、载药量、包封率及释放度为指标,筛选微球的最佳制备方法。在此基础上,采用最佳处方制备3批利福平丝素蛋白微球,对微球的形态、粒径、包封率、载药量和释放度进行考察。结果有机溶剂与丝素蛋白溶液体积比为4∶1、转速为200 r·min^-1时所得利福平丝素微球形态均匀,近似球形,载药量和包封率较高,所得载药微球有较好的缓释作用。以最佳处方制得微球载药量为66.1%±0.87%,包封率为87.80%±2.23%。结论有机溶剂与丝素蛋白溶液体积比为4∶1、转速为200 r·min^-1时载药量、包封率和释放度较好,故选择此处方为利福平丝素蛋白微球的最佳制备处方。     

Properties of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanospheres containing protease inhibitors: camostat mesilate and nafamostat mesilate

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanospheres containing protease inhibitors, camostat mesilate (CM) and nafamostat mesilate (NM), were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion methods in water or in oil, and the w/o/w emulsion solvent evaporation method. The average diameter of PLGA nanospheres prepared in the water system were about 150-300 nm, whereas those prepared in the oil system were 500-600 nm. Among the three methods, these drugs were the most efficiently encapsulated up to 60-70% in PLGA nanospheres in the oil system. Other factors that may influence drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release such as drug load, molecular weight of polymer were also investigated. Both the CM- and NM-loaded nanospheres prepared in the water system immediately released about 85% of the drug upon dispersed in the release medium while the drug initial burst of nanospheres prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion in oil method reduced to 30% and 60% for CM and NM, respectively. Poly(aspartic acid) (PAA), a complexing agent for cationic water soluble drugs, showed little effect on the encapsulation efficiency and release behavior for CM and NM. The DSC study and AFM pictures of nanospheres demonstrated that temperature-dependent drug release behavior was ascribable to the glass transition temperature of the polymer, which also affected the morphology of nanospheres upon dispersed in the release medium and influenced the drug release consequently.     

罗替戈汀原位形成植入剂的制备及体内药动学考察

目的:制备抗帕金森病药物罗替戈汀原位形成植入剂(R-ISFI),并对其体内长效释药行为进行考察。方法:以N-甲基-二吡咯烷酮(NMP)为溶剂、聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物(PLGA)为载体材料,制备R-ISFI。采用摇床法进行体外释放度的考察,采用大鼠体内药动学实验考察罗替戈汀的体内释药特性。大鼠皮下注射R-ISFI,HPLC法测定不同时间血浆中药物浓度。结果:高分子材料的类型、高分子材料与溶剂比、药物与高分子材料的用量比及ISFI的形状均对药物体外释放有显著的影响。R-ISFI体外释药平缓,30 d可累积释放85%,体内药动学结果表明,R-ISFI在体内缓释效果良好,突释小,可持续释放30 d。结论:制备的R-ISFI可持续平稳释放达一个月,是一种很有开发应用前景的长效缓释制剂。     

Improvement of solubility and dissolution properties of clotrimazole by solid dispersions and inclusion complexes

Solid dispersions of a slightly water-soluble drug, clotrimazole, were prepared in different weight ratios using polyethyleneglycol 4000 and different molecular weight polyvinyl pyrrolidones as carriers. Moreover, binary and ternary β-cyclodextrin complexes were prepared in different molar ratios. Both solid dispersions and β-cyclodextrin complexes were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. A phase solubility method was used to evaluate the effect of the tested carriers on the aqueous solubility of clotrimazole. The dissolution of all the preparations was tested using the USP paddle method. The selected solid dispersions and inclusion complexes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffractometry studies, and results clarified the role of the tested carriers in decreasing the crystallinity of clotrimazole and complexing abilities. Based on physical characters and in vitro drug release pattern, polyvinylpyrrolidone solid dispersions (1:1 weight ratio) and ternary cyclodextrin complexes (clotrimazole-β-cyclodextrin complexes with either polymer, 1:1 molar ratio) were selected as ideal batches for suppositories. Suppocire AM/50 mg carbopol 940, was chosen as a suppository base and the suppositories were prepared by molding technique. The prepared suppositories were characterized for weight variation, softening time and drug content. All these properties were found to be ideal. The in vitro drug release pattern was determined in citrate buffer (pH 4.5) containing 1% sodium lauryl sulfate. The in vitro release of clotrimazole from its solid dispersions and inclusion complexes incorporated suppositories was markedly improved when compared to the intact drug incorporated suppositories. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone solid dispersions incorporated suppositories were found to possess excellent antifungal activity.     

Physicochemical characterization and evaluation of buccal adhesive patches containing propranolol hydrochloride

Buccal adhesive patches containing 20 mg of propranolol hydrochloride were prepared using solvent casting method. Chitosan was used as a natural bioadhesive polymer. Patches were prepared at different ratios of PVP K-30 and evaluated for various physicochemical characteristics such as weight variation, drug content uniformity, folding endurance, surface pH, ex-vivo mucoadhesive strength, ex-vivo residence time, in vitro drug release and in vitro buccal permeation study. Patches exhibited sustained release over a period of 7 hours. The mechanism of drug release was found to be Non-Fickian diffusion. Addition of PVP K-30 generally enhanced the releasing rate. The ex-vivo mucoadhesive strength was performed using sheep buccal mucosa on modified physical balance. Optimized patches (batch F4) showed satisfactory bioadhesive strength (9.6 degrees 2.0 gram) and ex vivo residence time (272 degrees 0.25 minutes). Swelling index was proportional to PVP K-30. The surface pH of all batches was within satisfactory limit (7.0+/-1.5) and hence patches would not cause irritation in the buccal cavity. Good correlation was observed between in vitro drug release and in vitro drug permeation with correlation coefficient of 0.9364. Stability of optimized patches was performed in natural human saliva showed that both drug and dosage forms were stable in human saliva.     

Hyperbranched Polymers as Drug Carriers: Microencapsulation and Release Kinetics

The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of hyperbranched polymers as drug carriers by employing different microparticle formation methods and the influence of loading methods on release kinetics. Commercially available hyperbranched polyester (Perstorp) and three polyesteramides (DSM) were loaded with the pharmaceutical acetaminophen. The gas antisolvent precipitation (GAS), the coacervation, and the particles from gas saturated solutions (PGSS) are among conventional processes that were used to prepare microparticles of drug-loaded hyperbranched polyesters for the first time. For preparing solid dispersions of drug-loaded hyperbranched polyesteramides the solvent method was applied. Infrared (IR) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) studies suggest that acetaminophen is partly dissolved in the polymer matrix and partly crystallized outside the polymer matrix. For acetaminophen-loaded polyesters prepared by the GAS method, the presence of free drugs is predominant when compared to microparticles prepared by the coacervation method. This event disappears for microparticles prepared by the PGSS method. Moreover, the release of drug from drug-loaded Bol-GAS is biphasic, where the initial burst (48%), indicating the presence of unincorporated drugs, is followed by a slow-release phase, suggesting the diffusion of drug through polymer matrices. The release of drugs from drug-loaded Bol-PGSS do not show this behavior since the drug is better dissolved or dispersed in polymer matrices. In the case of drug-loaded polyesteramides, coevaporates prepared from 3 hyperbranched structures (H1690, H1200, and H1500) using the solvent method result in different release kinetics. The hydrophobic characteristic of hyperbranched polyesteramide H1500 shows the biphasic release kinetic whereas the drug released from hydrophilic matrices H1690 and H1200 exhibits fast release comparable to that of pure drug.     

盐酸倍他洛尔蒙脱石微球的制备及其体外释放性能的研究

目的制备可满足缓释要求的镶嵌蒙脱石的离子交换缓释微球。方法采用S/O1/O2/O3复乳-溶剂挥发法制备微球,考察处方因素包括复乳相体积比例、药物质量浓度、膜材用量和乳化剂质量分数对微球制备的影响。以微球体外释放为考察指标,优化微球处方。结果研究所得到的微球最佳处方为大豆油∶药物=6∶1,药物∶膜材=1∶5,乳化剂质量分数为0.5%²%。除乳化剂外,其他因素对微球体外释放均有较大影响。所制备微球的体外释放可以达到10h,基本无突释现象。进行形态观察发现,微球较为圆整,粒径比较均匀。结论采用优化处方以复乳-溶剂挥发法所制备盐酸倍他洛尔蒙脱石微球体外具有缓释性能。     

Hyperbranched polymers as drug carriers: microencapsulation and release kinetics

The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of hyperbranched polymers as drug carriers by employing different microparticle formation methods and the influence of loading methods on release kinetics. Commercially available hyperbranched polyester (Perstorp) and three polyesteramides (DSM) were loaded with the pharmaceutical acetaminophen. The gas antisolvent precipitation (GAS), the coacervation, and the particles from gas saturated solutions (PGSS) are among conventional processes that were used to prepare microparticles of drug-loaded hyperbranched polyesters for the first time. For preparing solid dispersions of drug-loaded hyperbranched polyesteramides the solvent method was applied. Infrared (IR) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) studies suggest that acetaminophen is partly dissolved in the polymer matrix and partly crystallized outside the polymer matrix. For acetaminophen-loaded polyesters prepared by the GAS method, the presence of free drugs is predominant when compared to microparticles prepared by the coacervation method. This event disappears for microparticles prepared by the PGSS method. Moreover, the release of drug from drug-loaded Bol-GAS is biphasic, where the initial burst (48%), indicating the presence of unincorporated drugs, is followed by a slow-release phase, suggesting the diffusion of drug through polymer matrices. The release of drugs from drug-loaded Bol-PGSS do not show this behavior since the drug is better dissolved or dispersed in polymer matrices. In the case of drug-loaded polyesteramides, coevaporates prepared from 3 hyperbranched structures (H1690, H1200, and H1500) using the solvent method result in different release kinetics. The hydrophobic characteristic of hyperbranched polyesteramide H1500 shows the biphasic release kinetic whereas the drug released from hydrophilic matrices H1690 and H1200 exhibits fast release comparable to that of pure drug.