Development of biodegradable starch microspheres for intranasal delivery

Abstract

Domperidone microspheres for intranasal administration were prepared by emulsification crosslinking technique. Starch a biodegradable polymer was used in preparation of microspheres using epichlorhydrine as cross-linking agent. The formulation variables were drug concentration and polymer concentration and batch of drug free microsphere was prepared for comparisons. All the formulations were evaluated for particle size, morphological characteristics, percentage drug encapsulation, equilibrium swelling degree, percentage mucoadhesion, bioadhesive strength, and in vitro diffusion study using nasal cell. Spherical microspheres were obtained in all batches with mean diameter in the range of above 22.8 to 102.63 mum. They showed good mucoadhesive property and swelling behaviour. The in vitro release was found in the range of 73.11% to 86.21%. Concentration of both polymer and drug affect in vitro release of drug.

Keywords: Microspheres; bioadhesive; crosslinking; domperidone; mucoadhesion; nasal drug delivery; starch.

Fig. 1

SEM Image of domperidone and domperidone-loaded microspheres. SEM Image of domperidone-free (left) and domperidone - loaded (right) microspheres prepared by emulsification - crosslinking method.

Fig. 2

In vitro diffusion study of domperidone from starch microspheres containing different concentration of starch. Microspheres PS1 , PS2 and PS 3 containing different concentrations of starch.

Fig. 3

In vitro diffusion study of domperidone from starch microspheres containing different concentration of domperidone. Microspheres DS1 , DS2 and DS3 containing different concentrations of domperidone.