Ethyl Cellulose Microparticles Containing Metformin HCl by Emulsification-Solvent Evaporation Technique : Effect of Formulation Variables

Abstract EN

The work investigates the effect of various formulation variables like drug-polymer ratio, stirring speed, and surfactant (Span 80) concentration on the properties of ethyl cellulose microparticles containing metformin HCl, prepared by emulsification solvent evaporation technique.

The drug entrapment efficiency, particle size, and drug release behaviour of these microparticles were influenced by these formulation variables.

The sustained release characteristic of these microparticles was more prominent in pH 6.8 than pH 1.2.

The drug release from ethyl cellulose microparticles was found to follow the Fickian (diffusion-controlled) release mechanism.

The drug-polymer interaction and surface topography of these microparticles were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy and SEM, respectively.