Formulation and Characterization of Cefaclor Microspheres

The purpose of this research work was to increase the residence time of drug Cefaclor by formulating as floating microspheres and to study the effect of formulation variables on microsphere characteristics. Microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method in which ethyl cellulose used as a release retardant polymer. Nine different formulations were prepared by changing drug to polymer ratio, volume of internal phase, volume of external phase and stirring time. The prepared microspheres were characterized for drug - polymer compatibility by IR, percentage yield, particle size analysis, drug entrapment efficiency, surface morphology by SEM, bulk density, percentage buoyancy, in-vitro release and release kinetic studies. Results of these evaluations showed that particle size in the range of 100.81.6 m to 106.21.3m, entrapment efficiency was found to be 75.721.94to 92.021.07 %, drug content was found to be in the range 96.892.1 to 99.92 2.67. Fourier-Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) studies ensured that no drug - polymer interaction in the formulated microspheres and the surface topography revealed a spherical surface for all the formulations and a round cavity enclosed by an outer shell composed of the drug and polymer. In- vitro release profile of microspheres for F14 formulation was found to be 98.450.47 at the end of 12hrs. In release kinetic studies, the F14 formulation followed zero order drug release with non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Cefaclor, FT-IR, SEM, Microspheres.