Acta Pharm. 60 (2010) 455-465

 

full paper

Original research paper

 

Formulation and in vitro characterization of spray-dried microspheres of amoxycillin

JIGNYASHA A. RAVAL, JAYVADAN K. PATEL and MADHABHAI M. PATEL

jignyasha26@yahoo.com

1 S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana-Gozaria Highway, Kherva-382 711, Gujarat, India

2 Nootan College of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technical University, Visnagar-384315, Gujarat, India

3 Kalol Institute of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technical University, B/h Old Janpath Hotel, National Highway, Kalol-382721, Gujarat, India

Accepted October 5, 2010

 

The purpose of the present study was to design mucoadhesive chitosan microspheres containing amoxycillin. Chitosan microspheres with a small particle size and good sphericity were prepared by a spray-drying method followed by chemical treatment with a chemical crosslinking agent (glutaraldehyde). Parameters affecting the extent of crosslinking were the crosslinking time and the concentration of the crosslinker agent. Crosslinked spray-dried chitosan microspheres were analyzed for their morphological aspects, particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, swelling percent and in vitro drug release. Batch M4 with a drug polymer ratio of 1:2, dissolved in minimum concentration of acetic acid solution treated with glutraldehyde, was found to be optimal giving controlled drug release for 10 h. It was found that both the increase of glutaraldehyde concentration and crosslinking duration decreased the swelling capacity of chitosan microspheres. This could be directly correlated to drug release from the microspheres.

 

Keywords: amoxycillin, prolonged/sustained release, chitosan, spray dried microspheres