PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMER BASED MICROSPHERE FORMULATION CONTAINING COMBINE DRUGS FOR GASTRO PROTECTIVE ACTIVITY

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop and characterize polymer-based microspheres containing a combination
of Lafutidine and Aloin for enhanced gastroprotective activity and controlled drug delivery. Microspheres
were prepared using the emulsification solvent evaporation method employing chitosan and sodium alginate
as biodegradable polymers. The prepared formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, particle size,
zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, and stability. UV
spectrophotometric analysis showed λmax values of 274.0 nm for Lafutidine and 252.5 nm for Aloin. The
prepared microspheres were spherical, free-flowing, and exhibited particle sizes ranging from 241.4 ± 1.8 to
804.4 ± 4.2 nm. Among all formulations, MSF2 demonstrated the most desirable characteristics, with a
particle size of 241.4 ± 1.8 nm, zeta potential of +54.9 ± 0.5 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 93.75 ±
0.65%. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of spherical microspheres with smooth surfaces. The
optimized formulation exhibited sustained drug release, achieving 94.49% cumulative release over 12 hours.
Drug release kinetics followed the Zero-Order model (R² = 0.973), indicating a controlled release pattern.
Stability studies conducted under long-term and accelerated conditions demonstrated minimal changes in
particle size and drug entrapment efficiency over 90 days. The results suggest that Lafutidine and Aloin-
loaded polymeric microspheres represent a promising gastroprotective drug delivery system capable of
improving therapeutic efficacy, prolonging drug release, and enhancing patient compliance.