Abstract

Objective: The objective of the current research is to reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance by designing and systematically evaluating controlled release microbeads of Rioprostil. Materials and methods: Rioprostil loaded mucoadhesive microbeads were successfully prepared by ionotropic gelation and crosslinking technique by using sodium alginate as the hydrophilic carrier in combination with HPMC and chitosan polymers as drug release modifiers. Formulated microbeads were evaluated for particle size, swelling ratio, drying rate, drug entrapment, bio adhesion study, invitro release, release kinetic and stability study. Particle size distribution of both placebo and drug loaded formulations were measured by an optical microscope and particle size of optimized beads was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Results shows that no significant drug-polymer interactions were observed in FTIR studies. In-vitro drug release profile of Rioprostil microbeads were studied in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and exhibited zero order kinetic. The in vitro wash-off test indicates microbeads had good mucoadhesive properties. The drug loaded batches were found to be stable when stored at room temperature for 45 days. Conclusion: Hence the formulated HPMC coated Sodium alginate beads can be used as an alternative and cheaper carrier for the oral controlled delivery of Rioprostil, especially for the treatment of ulcer colitis.

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