Kesari Asha, Dash Vikash
The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate zidovudine loaded chitosan microspheres for controlled drug release. Microspheres were prepared by emulsification method using gluteraldehyde as crosslinking agent. The prepared microspheres were characterized for their yield and drug loading, as well by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffractometry and Scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro release studies were performed in pH 7.4, phosphate buffer. The prepared microspheres were free flowing and spherical in shape. The drugloaded microspheres showed 72-94% of entrapment and release was extended up to 12h. The infrared spectra showed stable character of zidovudine in the drugloaded microspheres and revealed the absence of drugpolymer interactions. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that there was decrease in crystallinity of the drug. Scanning electron microscopy study revealed that the microspheres were spherical and porous in nature. It was found that the drug: polymer ratio, the stirring speed, the concentration of surfactant, and the amount of gluteraldehyde used for crosslinking were the most significant variables which influenced the size of the chitosan microspheres under the applied experimental condition.
