Development and Evaluation of Sustained-Release Ibuprofen–Wax Microspheres. II. In Vitro Dissolution Studies

A modified USP paddle method using minibaskets was used to study the effects of various formulations on in vitro dissolution of ibuprofen microspheres. Formulations containing waxes such as paraffin or ceresine wax without modifiers exhibited very slow dissolution profiles and incomplete release, which did not improve with increased drug loading or the preparation of smaller microspheres. The addition of modifiers such as stearyl alcohol and glyceryl mono-stearate greatly increased the dissolution rate, with 20% (w/w) near the optimum for predictable dissolution. Higher drug loading and decreased microsphere size increased the dissolution rate from microspheres containing modifier. Optimum formulations contained ceresine wax or microcrystalline wax and stearyl alcohol as a modifier, with a drug content of 17%. An increase in the encapsulation dispersant concentration had little effect on the dissolution profiles. The dissolution data from narrow size fractions of microspheres indicated spherical matrix drug release kinetics; the 50% dissolution time decreased with the square of the microsphere diameter. With appropriate modifiers, wax microsphere formulations of drugs with solubility characteristics similar to those of ibuprofen can offer a starting basis for predictable sustained release dosage forms.     

Response surface methodology to obtain naproxen controlled release tablets from its microspheres with Eudragit L100-55

PURPOSE: Naproxen CR tablets have been obtained from its microspheres prepared by coprecipitation with Eudragit L100-55. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the main and interaction effects of deaggregating agent concentration (X1), compression pressure (X2) and amount of precipitating water (X3) on naproxen release. A secondary purpose was to obtain an optimized naproxen controlled release solid oral dosage form with a predictable 12 h drug release. METHOD: Eudragit L100-55 (10 g) was dissolved in 100 ml of ethyl alcohol, and 30g of naproxen was dispersed in it with stirring. Purified water (100mL, cooled to 4 degrees C) containing calcium chloride as a deaggregating agent was added to an alcoholic solution and homogenized. The mixture was filtered to obtain microspheres. Drug content analysis was performed spectrophotometrically at 332 nm. Tablets were prepared by compressing microspheres containing 500mg of naproxen after adding 1% magnesium stearate. Dissolution was performed by the USP specifications of naproxen tablets. A 3-factor 3-level Box-Behnken design was employed to get 15 experimental runs. The independent variables used were X1, X2 and X3. The dependent variables were dissolution at different time points with constraints on yield value and angle of repose of the microspheres, and hardness and thickness of the tablets. The dissolution constraints were placed such that the naproxen is released for 12 h by Higuchi's square root of time kinetics. RESULTS: The mathematical relationship obtained between X1, X2, X3 and the cumulative per cent of naproxen dissolved in 12 h with various constraints (Y5) was Y5 = 92.39 - 1.13X1 - 4.84X2 - 2.12X3 - 2.26X1X2 - 0.5X1X3 - 0.4X2X3 + 2.4X(1)(2) - 0.4X(2)(2) (R2 = 0.9). The equation shows that X1, X2 and X3 affected the release inversely, and the most significant interaction was between X1 and X2. Y5 has been maximized for optimization of naproxen release. CONCLUSIONS: Controlled release tablets of naproxen with predictable drug release characteristics were obtained by compressing its microspheres with Eudragit L100-55.     

Factors influencing drug release from stearic acid based compacts

Fatty acids are potentially suitable carriers for use in the design of drug delivery systems, being biocompatible, biodegradable inexpensive and of low toxicity. The release of the model compound benzoic acid from fatty acid compacts of stearic acid was evaluated using the USP Apparatus 2 dissolution assembly in phosphate buffer pH 7.4. Matrix controlled drug release was expected. Release profiles were approximated by square root of time kinetics. Release rate was independent of stirring speed in the rpm range 50-150, however, at 200 rpm a significant increase in release rate was observed particularly at later times, the amount released versus square root of time plots becoming non-linear. Release was independent of compression pressure in the range 1-7 tons. The particle size of the benzoic acid and stearic acid used had a significant influence on release. The use of particles in the range 250-500 microm gave release rate constants (k, g/cm(2) per min(0.5)) approximately 1.5 greater than those of smaller particle size (63-125 microm). The formation factor (F) tended to increase exponentially with drug loading, the increase being steeper for compacts prepared from the larger particle sizes. At 80% drug loading for large sized systems the matrix appeared to offer little resistance to drug release and F approached one.     

Drug release properties of pectinate microspheres prepared by emulsification method

This study explored the potential of pectin for use in making microspheres for sustained-release of drugs. The pectin microspheres were prepared by external gelation using an emulsification technique with calcium chloride as the crosslinking agent. The influences of drug core (sulphanilamide, sulphaguanidine and sulphathiazole) and dissolution media (distilled water, USP HCl and phosphate buffers) on the drug release properties of the pectinate microspheres were examined. The morphology and drug content of the microspheres, and the solubility and solution pH of the drugs were also determined. Pectinate microspheres were successfully prepared by the emulsification technique. The rate of drug released from microspheres was highest in USP HCl buffer, followed by USP phosphate buffer and distilled water. Interestingly, the lowest percentage of drug released was produced by microspheres which were smallest in size and therefore largest in specific surface area, and consisting of sulphanilamide, the most water soluble drug. Further investigation showed that the microspheres consisted of both bound and unbound drugs. The percentage of drug released was predominantly determined by the relative contents of bound and unbound drugs embedded in the pectinate matrix.     

Hydroxy-urea bearing albumin microspheres--preparation, characterization and evaluation

Hydroxy-urea bearing albumin microspheres were prepared using the polymer dispersion method. Glycerol was used successfully in place of water as an internal phase of w/o emulsion, to prepare HSA based albumin microspheres. Silicone coated magnetite of nanometeric size was incorporated in the drug bearing microspheres. The process variables which could affect the physical characteristics with respect to in vitro and in vivo performance of the prepared microspheres were studied. The in vitro release of the drug from the microspheres followed a linear relationship when commulative per cent drug release was plotted against square root of time. Microspheres of average size 1-4 microns were studied for in vivo distribution and localization. It was established that 67 per cent of the drug enveloped in magnetic albumin microspheres could be localized in a rat tail target segment, on applying an external magnetic field of strength 8000 Oe. A remarkable stabilization of hydroxy urea in the prepared microspheres was recorded when t10% drug degradation was compared with the albumin microspheres prepared by a conventional emulsion polymerization method using water as an internal phase.     

Formulation parameters and release mechanism of theophylline loaded ethyl cellulose microspheres: effect of different dual surfactant ratios

Altering the combined hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (CHLB), by varying the ratio of dual surfactants, on formulation parameters and in vitro drug release of ethyl cellulose microspheres was examined.

Theophylline, a xanthine bronchodilator was used to model controlled release owing to its narrow therapeutic index. Microspheres were prepared using different ratios of dual surfactant in an emulsion-solvent evaporation process. Drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, particle size distribution, and geometric mean diameters were evaluated. Drug release was evaluated using several kinetic models including zero and first order, Higuchi square root, and Hixson-Crowell.

Microspheres presented as mostly spherical particles and diffusional drug release was affected by microsphere construction. For this novel, dual surfactant system the microsphere matrix is a hydrophobic polymer and the release rate may be modulated with variation in ratio of dual surfactants. Dissolution data followed the Higuchi model and supports the formation of a monolithic microsphere matrix that releases theophylline by Fickian diffusion.

Dual surfactants for preparation of microspheres are an inadequately studied research area that offers another means to modulate particle size and drug release. For the current study microspheres prepared with surfactant ratios of Span 65: Tween 40 between 3:1 and 2:1 provided the best control of size and drug release.     

Naproxen-Eudragit microspheres: screening of process and formulation variables for the preparation of extended release tablets

The objectives of the present study were to screen the formulation and process variables for the preparation of extended release naproxen tablets with Eudragit L100-55. The tablets were prepared by compression of microspheres that were obtained by a coprecipitation technique. The process involved dissolution of naproxen and Eudragit L 100-55 in alcohol USP followed by the addition of an aqueous solution containing a surfactant and deaggregating agents. The mixture was stirred for a specified time period to obtain microspheres, which were filtered and air-dried to a constant weight. The microspheres were then compressed to obtain plain tablets with a diameter of 12 mm. A 7-factor 12-run Plackett-Burman screening design was employed to evaluate the main effects of homogenization time (X1), rate of water addition (X2), amount of polymer (X3), amount of precipitating solution (X4), concentration of electrolytes (X5), compression pressure (X6), and the concentration of lubricant (X7) on the rate of drug release. The response variable was cumulative percent of naproxen dissolved in 12 h in simulated intestinal fluid with constraints on responses that included percent yield, hardness, thickness, and the angle of repose. Mathematical relationship for percent of naproxen dissolved in 12 h (Y5) with various factors yielded the following polynomial equation; Y5 (% dissolved in 12 h) = 95.48 + 0.53 X1 + 3.51 X2 + 3.84 X3 - 3.80 X4 - 2.46 X5 - 2.90 X6 - 3.91 X7. The results showed that all the seven factors affected, with varying order, the release of naproxen from its compressed tablets.     

苯磺酸氨氯地平长效微球的制备及其体内外释药特性的研究

目的采用o/w乳化-溶剂挥发法制备苯磺酸氯氯地平长效微球,并对其体内外释药特性进行研究。方法采用m PEG-PLA为载体制备苯磺酸氨氯地平微球。以包封率为评价指标,通过正交设计优化制备工艺。采用DDSolver 1.0软件,对其体外释药曲线进行拟合。采用DAS 2.1.1软件,对大鼠皮下注射苯磺酸氨氯地平微球后,体内的药代动力学参数进行处理。结果优化工艺制备的微球外观圆整,平均粒径为30 mm,平均载药量8.8%,平均包封率85.8%。体外释药行为符合Higuchi方程F=24.105＋6.734 t1/2（r=0.986 9）。大鼠体内的药-时曲线符合二室模型,并明显具有长效作用。另外,给药末期对给药部位进行病理学检验,未见刺激性反应。结论采用m PEG-PLA为载体材料可制成具有明显缓释作用的苯磺酸氨氯地平长效微球,并可用本试验的体外释放度条件对其体内释药特性进行评价,简化了研发进程。     

重组降血压肽缓释微球的制备与体外释放

目的采用复乳溶剂蒸发法制备重组降血压肽(rAHP)缓释微球。方法以聚乳酸(PLA)为缓释材料,利用正交设计优化微球制备的最佳工艺条件,并考察了微球的体外释药特性。结果微球制备的最优工艺为:油相中PLA的浓度为7.5%、初乳搅拌速度为900 r/min、内水相与油相体积比为1∶10,外水相聚乙烯醇124浓度为5%;按此工艺制备的微球粒径跨度小、分布均匀,包封率为81.35%,载药量在10.92%,微球得率在80.26%,微球的平均粒径分布范围在75～80μm之间;载药微球在磷酸盐缓冲液中0.5 h内的累积释药量为17.5%,第15天累积释药率达到98.6%。结论该微球制备工艺成熟,包封率高,符合我国药典对缓释制剂的指导原则要求。     

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.     

Gelatin microspheres of rifampicin cross-linked with sucrose using thermal gelation method for the treatment of tuberculosis

Oral controlled release microspheres of rifampicin (RIF) were prepared in order to circumvent the required regular high dose of the conventional dosage forms for the treatment of tuberculosis. Rifampicin containing microspheres were designed by using a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, gelatin B, using a thermal gelation method. The microspheres were cross-linked with natural cross-linker, sucrose, to avoid the toxicities due to the synthetic di- and poly-aldehydes. This formulation was found to be controlled release for drug in the gastro-intestinal tract. Drug encapsulation efficiency was found to be in the range of 52-83%. These microspheres were characterized for; particle size analysis by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy; in vitro release study by USP paddle apparatus and drug polymer interaction study using DSC and FT-IR. The results suggested that microspheres prepared by the above method were smaller in size, i.e. less than 60 microm and sucrose could be used as an interesting means to cross-link gelatin B microspheres, allowing the use of this formulation for controlled release of rifampicin. Microspheres could be observed in the intestinal lumen at 4 h and were detectable in the intestine 24 h post-oral administration, although the percentage of radioactivity had significantly decreased (t(1/2) of (99m)Tc = 4-5 h). Dissolution and scintigraphy studies have shown promising results, proving the utility of the formulation for the whole intestine.     

Dexamethasone-loaded magnetic albumin microspheres: Preparation and in vitro release

Magnetic albumin microspheres containing nearly 13% w/w dexamethasone were prepared. Two separate studies were carried out to investigate: (a) the responsivity of these microspheres in a 8000 G magnetic field in a flow rate (0.5 cm/s) equal to that of the blood flow rate in capillaries; (b) the in vitro release profile of dexamethasone from magnetic albumin microspheres up to 7 h after dispersion in normal saline medium, using a USP dissolution apparatus. The results obtained suggest that the retention of microspheres in the presence of the magnetic field for 15 min was significantly (P < 0.05) more than those in the absence of the magnetic field. Drug release in the first hour was found to increase and then reached a maximum. After 7 h, approximately 30% of the total drug content of microspheres was released. A third order equation for the drug release was also calculated. From this study, it is suggested that magnetic albumin microspheres could be retained at their target site in vivo, following the application of a magnetic field, and are capable of releasing their drug content for an extended period of time. This would make them a suitable depot for delivering chemotherapeutic agent(s) in vivo.     

Preparation and characterization of novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel microspheres of chitosan and hydroxypropyl cellulose for controlled release of chlorothiazide

Novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel microspheres of chitosan (CS) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) were prepared by emulsion-cross-linking method using glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross-linker. Chlorothiazide (CT), a diuretic and anti-hypertensive drug with limited water solubility, was successfully encapsulated into IPN microspheres. Various formulations were prepared by varying the ratio of CS and HPC, percentage drug loading and amount of GA. Microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to investigate the formation of IPN structure and to confirm the absence of chemical interactions between drug, polymer and cross-linking agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to study the surface morphology of the microspheres. SEM showed that microspheres have smooth surfaces. Particle size, as measured by laser light scattering technique, gave an average size ranging from 199-359 mum. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to know the formation of IPN structure. X-ray diffraction (X-RD) studies were performed to understand the crystalline nature of the drug after encapsulation into IPN microspheres. Encapsulation of drug up to 76% was achieved as measured by UV spectroscopy. Both equilibrium and dynamic swelling experiments were performed in 0.1 N HCl. Diffusion coefficients (D) for water transport through the microspheres were estimated using an empirical equation. In vitro release studies indicated the dependence of release rate on the extent of cross-linking, drug loading and the amount of HPC used to produce the microspheres; slow release was extended up to 12 h. The release data were also fitted to an empirical equation to compute the diffusional exponent (n), which indicated that the release followed the non-Fickian trend.     

Sustained release from inert matrices I. Effect of macrocrystalline cellulose on aminophylline and theophylline release

The release of aminophylline and theophylline embedded in a matrix composed of different ratios of microcrystalline cellulose and glyceryl monostearate (or propylene glycol monostearate) was investigated. The result indicated that drug release within a certain period follows a diffusion-controlled matrix model, where the drug quantity released was proportional to the square root of time. The release rate was found to increase with increasing microcrystalline cellulose—glyceryl monostearate ratio. The logarithm of the rate constant was proportional to the fraction of microcrystalline cellulose in the matrix. The tablets prepared using solvent-evaporated matrix showed quicker release than those prepared from fused ones. Propylene glycol monostearate achieved similar, but somewhat quicker release, than glyceryl monostearate.     

Ibuprofen-loaded ethylcellulose/polystyrene microspheres: an approach to get prolonged drug release with reduced burst effect and low ethylcellulose content

The aim of this study was to develop ethylcellulose microspheres for prolonged drug delivery with reduced burst effect. Ethylcellulose microspheres loaded with ibuprofen were prepared with and without polystyrene, which was used to retard drug release from ethylcellulose microspheres. Ibuprofen-loaded ethylcellulose microspheres with a polystyrene content of 0-25% were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique and characterized by drug loading, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro release studies were performed to study the influence of polystyrene on ibuprofen release from ethylcellulose microspheres. The microspheres showed 28-46% of drug loading and 80-92% of entrapment, depending on polymer/drug ratio. The infrared spectrum and thermogram showed stable character of ibuprofen in the microspheres and revealed an absence of drug polymer interaction. The prepared microspheres were spherical in shape and had a size range of 0.1-4 microm. Ethylcellulose/polystyrene microspheres showed prolonged drug release and less burst effect when compared to microspheres prepared with ethylcellulose alone. Microspheres prepared with an ethylcellulose/polystyrene ratio of 80:20 gave a required release pattern for oral drug delivery. The presence of polystyrene above this ratio gave release over 24 h. To find out the mechanism of drug release from ethylcellulose/polystyrene microspheres, the data obtained from in vitro release were fitted in various kinetic models. High correlation was obtained in Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The drug release from ethylcellulose/polystyrene microspheres was found to be diffusion controlled.     

Characterization of drug release from diltiazem-loaded polylactide microspheres prepared using sodium caseinate and whey protein as emulsifying agents

The influence of milk protein emulsifying agents on the characteristics, particularly drug release, of polylactide microspheres was investigated. Diltiazem loaded polylactide (PL) microspheres were successfully prepared using the dairy proteins, sodium casinate (SC) and whey protein isolate (WPI) as the emulsifying agents. Microspheres were characerized in terms of microsphere yield, electron microscopy, particle size, drug loading, DSC and XRD analysis and drug release. The yields of microspheres obtained were 53-63% and were independent of the emulsifying agent used. SEM revealed that, regardless of the emulsifying agent employed, the microspheres were of good sphericity, but the surface appearance of the microspheres was not the same in all cases. The milk proteins resulted in microspheres approximately half the size of those obtained with methylcellulose (MC). Significant differences in drug loading were observed between the three emulgents, the MC systems giving the highest values. Release profiles were sigmoidal in shape and were well fitted to the equation ln (x/1 - x) = k x t - k x tmax, reflecting degradation controlled drug release. The parameter k increased with drug loading, while tmax decreased. The relationships between the release parameters [P(k and tmax)] and loading (L) could be quantified by equations of the form P = a x L(N), N being negative in the case of tmax. Apart from the effect on loading efficiency, neither SC nor WPI appeared to significantly alter drug release. The quantitative relationships observed in this study may have more general application in quantifying drug release from drug-polymer composites at low loadings where polymer degradation controls drug release.     

The study of drug release from microspheres adhered on pig vesical mucosa

The object of our work is the preparation of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system intended for intravesical application. In the present work, microspheres with Eudragit RS matrix polymer and different mucoadhesive polymers, i.e. chitosan hydrochloride (Ch), sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polycarbophil (PC) were prepared to evaluate their influence on the mucoadhesive properties of microspheres. Different parameters were determined and their influence on pipemidic acid release from microspheres adhered on intact and damaged pig vesical mucosa was evaluated: swelling of polymers, mucoadhesion strength of polymeric films and drug dissolution according to USP XXIV method. The dissolution rate from microspheres containing different mucoadhesive polymers decreases as follows: PC>Ch>CMC. PC swelled to the largest volume among all polymers and as a result the fastest release of the drug from PC microspheres was obtained. The release rate of pipemidic acid from microspheres adhered on intact mucosa followed the order PC>CMC>Ch. These results show that both drug dissolution and mucoadhesion strength strongly influence drug release from adhered microspheres. The slowest release from Ch microspheres could be interpreted by the largest mucoadhesion strength of Ch polymeric films. The release rate of pipemidic acid from microspheres adhered on damaged mucosa followed the order PC=Ch>CMC. The results obtained on pathologically changed mucosa model support the indication of the role of glycosaminoglycans and polymer charge in the mucoadhesion process on vesical mucosa. Analysis of release data shows that the drug dissolution profiles follow the Higuchi kinetics better than the release profiles from adhered microspheres and different kinetics might be a consequence of different release mechanisms.     

Liquid phase coating to produce controlled-release alginate microspheres

This study explored a liquid phase coating technique to produce polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-coated alginate microspheres. Alginate microspheres with a mean diameter of 85.6 microm were prepared using an emulsification method. The alginate microspheres, as cores, were then coated with different types of PMMA by a liquid phase coating technique. The release characteristics of these coated microspheres in simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal (SIF) fluids and the influence of drug load on encapsulation efficiency were studied. The release of paracetamol, as a model hydrophilic drug, from the coated microspheres in SGF and SIF was greatly retarded. Release rates of Eudragit RS100-coated microspheres in SGF and SIF were similar as the rate-controlling polymer coat was insoluble in both media. Drug release from Eudragit S100-coated microspheres was more sustained in SGF than in SIF, due to the greater solubility of the coating polymer in media with pH greater than 7.0. The drug release rate was affected by the core:coat ratio. Drug release from the coated microspheres was best described by the Higuchi's square root model. The liquid phase coating technique developed offers an efficient method of coating small microspheres with markedly reduced drug loss and possible controlled drug release.     

Polymer blends used to prepare nifedipine loaded hollow microspheres for a floating-type oral drug delivery system: <Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> evaluation

The aim of this study was to investigate whether hollow microspheres prepared from polymer blends of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and ethyl cellulose (EC) could improve the vitro release behavior of the poorly water-soluble drug nifedipine. Hollow microspheres containing nifedipine were prepared by a solvent diffusion-evaporation method using various ratios of PVP and EC codissolved with drug in ethanol/ether (5:1, v/v). The hollow microspheres could float in release medium for more than 24 h, and floating capacities were not be influenced by mixing PVP. In vitro release profiles of hollow microspheres prepared using EC along showed an initial burst release to some extent, and the cumulative release percentage was less than 55% after 24 h. But, not only the slope but also the shape of the release curves was affected by using mixture of PVP and EC. What’s more important, when the ratio (PVP/EC) increased to 1.5:8.5, the cumulative release percentage could be increased to 95.8%. Furthermore, the release rate of microspheres showed a zero order approximate dynamic model and could be expressed by the following equation: Q=3.78t+8.52 (r=0.990). Consequently, hollow microspheres prepared using polymer blends of PVP and EC (1.5:8.5, w/w) could be suitable for floating-type controlled-release delivery systems for the oral administration of nifedipine.