PREPARATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF IBUPROFEN MICROSPHERES USING IONIC GELATION METHOD

Ezegbe Chekwube Andrew*, Anikwe Celestine Chidera, Ezegbe Amarachi Grace*, Mba Valentine Maduabuchi,
Odo Kenechi Benjamin, Okafor Nnedimma Pauline, Onyishi Doris Chiagozie, Anyoha Cross-Raphael
Chukwuebuka, Ugorji Anita Chidera, Nwodo Adanne Judith, Aniagwu Ifunanya Sheila, Onunkwo Chukwunwike
Godswill.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Microspheres can be defined as a matrix system that allows the drug
to be homogenously dispersed, dissolved or suspended. Aim: Development and in
vitro evaluation of ibuprofen floating microspheres. Methods: The microspheres
were formulated using inotropic gelation method. A homogenous polymer solution
was prepared by dissolving sodium alginate (1 g) and the polymers (1 g each) in 32
ml of distilled water. The drug was added to the polymer solution and stirred
continuously to form a viscous dispersion. A 10 % w/v Cacl2 solution was prepared
and used as a cross–linking agent. The dispersion was added drop wise for 15
minutes for the curing reaction to take place. The spheres obtained were then
washed and dried at 45 oC for 12 hours. Results: The percentage yield of the
formulations ranged from 72.00 % ± 1.41 to 85.50 % ± 3.54. The angle of repose
ranged from 3.49o ± 0.04 to 9.49o ± 0.31, while the bulk density ranged from 0.60
g/ml ± 0.00 to 0.41 g/ml ± 0.00. The Carr’s index ranged from 13.04 % ± 0.04 to
14.50 % ± 0.35. The swelling index ranged from 65.50 % ± 0.35 to 85.00 % ± 0.71.
The in vitro drug release showed that formulation F-5 gave the least release at 28.80
% ± 0.85 after 4 hours without a significant difference (p < 0>idea of formulating floating microspheres containing ibuprofen gave a suitable
practical approach that achieved a prolonged therapeutic effect by releasing the
active drug over an extended period of time.

Keywords:

Ibuprofen, Ionic gelation, Microspheres, Gastrointestinal infection

Full Text Article