Preparation of Sustained Release Microspheres of Aceclofenac: Characterization & in-vivo studies

Objective: To explore the sustained drug release model of Aceclofenac from microspheres to establish the result of hydrogel forming mucoadhesive polymers on drug release. Methods: Microspheres were produced by Emulsion solvent evaporation method using Carboxy Methyl cellulose (CMC) and Carbopol 934P (CP) as hydrogel forming polymers. Results and Discussion: Mucoadhesive sustained release microspheres of Aceclofenac were prepared using carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and carbomer 934P hydrogel forming polymers. Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and Carbomer 934P were used in 1/3 and 1/6w/w proportion in the preparation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the uneven outer surface of the microspheres. Invitro dissolution test was carried out in simulated gastric fluid pH 1.2 and simulated intestinal fluid pH 6.8. Release of Aceclofenac from microspheres was found sustained, dependent on the erosion of crosslinking of carbopol 934P. Invitro mucoadhesive study was done on fresh stomach mucosa of chicken and chicken egg shell membrane. Invivo gastroenteric conveyance of microspheres was done in Male Sprague-Dawley rats. Conclusion: Invitro drug release is sustained for the period of 14 hrs. In-vitro Muco-adhesion evaluation can be done either on chicken stomach mucous membrane or chicken eggshell membrane.