Microsponge carrier for the safe and effective delivery of mycophenolate mofetil

Abstract

The current study was designed for the delivery of mycophenolate mofetil using microsponges. Quasi-emulsification and double-emulsification techniques were used to develop ethyl cellulose (EC)- and xanthan gum-facilitated EC microsponges. The microsponges were characterized using micromeritics, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface morphology, particle size and zeta potential analyses; in vitro drug release and release kinetics were assessed by using various kinetic models. The studies revealed that the prepared microsponges offer free-flow properties with an adequate release profile and spherical porous surface morphology. The FTIR study did not reveal any interaction among the ingredients. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of mycophenolate mofetil. In vitro release studies showed that the sustained effect was maintained successfully up to 8 h. It can be concluded from the results that both EC and xanthan gum played an important role in the formulation of controlled-release microsponges of mycophenolate mofetil.