Fabrication of potential gastroretentive microspheres of itraconazole for stomach-specific delivery: Statistical optimization and in vitro evaluation

ABSTRACT

The premise of the study was to develop and optimize multiple unit gastroretentive microspheres of itraconazoleto prolong its localization in the stomach and analyzed using response surface methodology. The emulsion solventdiffusion evaporation method was used to prepare hollow microsphere of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit RS100 as lowdensity shell-forming polymers. The experimental design matrix was prepared using a central composite design tostudy the effect of various process parameters over response variables. The optimized microspheres showed a particlesize of 285.1µm, drug entrapment efficiency of 86.8%, buoyancy of 51.1%, and cumulative drug release of 77.80%.The experimental responses were in good harmony with the predicted values. The compatibility between drug andexcipients was determined by Fourier-transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The resultssignify that gastroretentive hollow microspheres are a promising vehicle to extend the retention time of itraconazolein the upper GI tract, and it can be floated in an acidic medium for a prolonged period.