Encapsulation and characterization of flurbiprofen loaded poly(є-caprolactone)–poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blend micropheres by solvent evaporation method

Flurbiprofen loaded PCL/PVP blend microspheres were prepared by o/w solvent evaporation method using various concentrations of gelatin as emulsifying agent. Microsphere recovery decreased with a decrease in the concentration of the emulsifier in the dispersion. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of microspheres increased with decrease in concentration of emulsifying agent. Hydration rate, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of microspheres increased with increase in concentration of PVP. Rheological properties showed free flowing nature of microspheres. SEM (Scanning electron microscope) revealed microspheres were discrete, spherical and became porous with decrease in concentration of emulsifying agent but smooth with higher concentration of emulsifying agent. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra of pure and encapsulated flurbiprofen in all formulation showed no significant difference in characteristic peaks, suggesting stability of flurbiprofen during encapsulation process. X-RD (X-ray powder diffractometry) of pure flurbiprofen shows sharp peaks, which decreases on encapsulation, indicating dispersion at molecular level and hence decrease in the crystallinity of drug in microspheres. Microspheres showed an enteric nature at pH 1.2 and a sustained release pattern at pH 6.8. Rapid drug release was observed in microspheres with higher concentration of PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), PVP acts as channeling agent. Formulation with low concentration of emulsifying agent also showed a fast release due to porous structure. Drug release kinetics followed zero order at pH 1.2 while at pH 6.8 Higuchi model was best fitted and was found non fickian.