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At least 847 records · Page 47Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Considerations about the theoretically expected crushing strength of tablets from binary powder mixtures: double layer tablets versus arithmetic additivity rule.

The theoretically expected breaking strength of tablets from powder mixtures is often calculated by the weighted arithmetic mean from the breaking strength of the single components, which corresponds to a linear interpolation. The validity of this additivity of fracture strength shall be evaluated by the underlying model of parallel couplings. It assumes the components linked in parallel with respect to the direction of loading during diametrical strength testing. Parallel couplings were experimentally realised by the preparation of double layer tablets from crystalline and spray-dried lactose on the one hand and from maltitol and metamizol-sodium on the other. Constant total true volumes of the single substances and of layered powders in varying ratios of true volume were compressed on an eccentric tabletting machine to constant geometric mean punch force. Simulated crushing profiles of parallel couplings were derived from force-displacement profiles measured during diametrical compression of the one-component tablets. At given finely graded deformation levels, the forces exerted by the components during loading were added in the proportion of the true volume fractions of the components in the coupling. The results from the experiments and from the simulations are in good accordance. They demonstrate that a linear change of the crushing strength in dependence on the true volume fraction of the components can only be assumed if the single components deform to the same extent up to the point of fracture. This behaviour was approximately found with the parallel lactose system. In all other cases it must be expected that the crushing strength of parallel systems will be lowered beneath the weighted arithmetic mean values or even below the crushing strength of the single components. The latter was observed with the maltitol-metamizol combinations. Thus, if tablets from binary powder mixtures exhibit a crushing strength depression, this is not necessarily an indication of weak bonding between the components or of structural defects.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2004

Bioavailability of carbamazepine:beta-cyclodextrin complex in beagle dogs from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose matrix tablets.

The bioavailability of a carbamazepine:beta-cyclodextrin (CBZ:betaCD) complex from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablets was evaluated in beagle dogs. A solubility study demonstrated the improvement of CBZ aqueous solubility by adding increasing amounts of betaCD. The 1:1 CBZ:betaCD molar ratio was chosen to produce the complex, which was obtained by spray-drying. Matrix tablets were prepared by direct compressing either a CBZ:betaCD complex or a physical mixture of both substances with HPMC. Both matrix formulations displayed a controlled-release profile when compared to the reference formulation (Tegretol CR 200). CBZ presented a significantly higher bioavailability from matrix tablets containing the CBZ:betaCD complex than that obtained from Tegretol CR 200). Although a high inter-subject variability was observed, the results pointed to the feasibility of using betaCD in order to modulate CBZ release and absorption, as well as to reduce the drug dosage maintaining the same plasma levels.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Phase behaviour analysis of solid dispersions of loperamide and two structurally related compounds with the polymers PVP-K30 and PVP-VA64.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of the structure of a poorly water soluble model drug (loperamide) on the phase behaviour in solid dispersions with PVP-K30. Dispersions with PVP-VA64, a less hydrophilic polymer, were investigated as well in order to study the influence of differences in polymer structure and water content of the samples. The solid dispersions of PVP-K30 or PVP-VA64 with loperamide as well as with two fragments of this molecule were prepared by spray drying. The amount of residual solvents and water was determined with GC and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The drug loading of the dispersions was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The solid state properties were evaluated using powder-XRD, IR-spectroscopy and MT-DSC. All mixtures containing loperamide proved to be completely amorphous, whereas the dispersions containing the fragments are only amorphous in case the polymer content is high. The phase diagrams that were constructed clearly show that loperamide exhibits a different behaviour in the solid dispersions than its two building blocks. They also point to the presence of specific intermolecular compound--polymer interactions in the dispersions of one of the fragments with the two polymers. This was confirmed by the IR-results. Despite structural similarities, interactions in dispersions containing loperamide are far less important. In dispersions containing high concentrations of the other fragment, the DSC curves give indications for polymorphism whereas IR and XRD-spectra point towards inclusion of solvent in these samples.

Loperamide↗
PubMed2004

Improvement of gliquidone hypoglycaemic effect in rats by cyclodextrin formulations.

This study was carried out with the aim to optimize the pharmacological profile of gliquidone (GLI)--a poorly bioavailable hypoglycaemic agent sparingly soluble in water--through complexation with cyclodextrins. In order to increase the apparent solubility of GLI, two cyclodextrins, namely beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD), were tested. The effect of cyclodextrin addition on the aqueous solubility of GLI was evaluated by the phase solubility method at different pH values. The amount of GLI in solution increased upon CD addition according to A type plots. The aqueous solubility of GLI was enhanced more at higher pH values and using HPbetaCD. On the basis of its performance, HPbetaCD was selected as host to prepare GLI oral formulations. GLI/HPbetaCD solid systems were prepared at 1:2 molar ratio by co-grinding, spray-drying and freeze-drying and characterized by DSC, FTIR and X-ray powder diffractometry. Powders were amorphous and showed an improved dissolution rate in comparison with GLI. GLI/HPbetaCD co-ground and freeze-dried products were the most interesting systems, since they dissolved 62 and 94% of total drug after 15 min, respectively. The hypoglycaemic effect of the most rapidly dissolving binary systems was evaluated after oral administration in fasted rats by measuring plasma glucose level in the time interval 0.5-36 h and compared to free GLI. Our findings indicate that cyclodextrin-containing formulations not only provide an onset of hypoglycaemic effect faster than GLI, but also enhance significantly the pharmacological effect due to improved biopharmaceutics. The association GLI/HPbetaCD allows a reduction of the oral dose and is expected to provide a better control over drug side effects, contributing to improve safety and efficacy of GLI.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Fast-dissolving mucoadhesive microparticulate delivery system containing piroxicam.

We have studied the feasibility of preparing fast-dissolving mucoadhesive microparticulate delivery systems containing amorphous piroxicam to improve drug residence time on sublingual mucosa and drug dissolution rate. Two new mucoadhesive carriers, Eudragit L100 (EuLNa) and Eudragit S100 (EuSNa) sodium salts, both characterized by a fast intrinsic dissolution rate, have been selected. Microparticles containing piroxicam and EuLNa (series 1) or EuSNa (series 2) in ratios from 15/85 to 85/15% (m/m) were prepared by spray drying. The morphology and physical state of the microparticles and the effect of the microparticle composition on the piroxicam release and mucoadhesion were investigated. Piroxicam loaded into the microparticles was found to be in the amorphous form at all drug/copolymer ratios. This feature was ascribed to the presence of an H-bond between the NH of piroxicam and a CO of the copolymers. The formation of solid solutions improved the dissolution rate and the apparent drug solubility. The mucoadhesive properties were affected by the drug/copolymer ratio and in series 2 the microparticles containing more than 50% (m/m) of piroxicam did not show mucoadhesive properties. The delivery system made of piroxicam and EuLNa in the ratio 70/30% (m/m) appears to be the most promising because it contains the lowest amount of polymer able to confer mucoadhesive properties and increase apparent drug solubility.

Drug Delivery Systems↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Microencapsulated chitosan nanoparticles for lung protein delivery.

It has already been demonstrated that spray drying is a very valuable technique for producing dry powders adequate for pulmonary delivery of drugs. We have developed chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles that promote peptide absorption across mucosal surfaces. The aim of this work was to microencapsulate protein-loaded chitosan nanoparticles using typical aerosol excipients, such as mannitol and lactose, producing microspheres as carriers of protein-loaded nanoparticles to the lung. The results showed that the obtained microspheres are mostly spherical and possess appropriate aerodynamic properties for pulmonary delivery (aerodynamic diameters between 2 and 3 microm, apparent density lower than 0.45 g/cm3). Moreover, microspheres morphology was strongly affected by the content of chitosan nanoparticles. These nanoparticles show a good protein loading capacity (65-80%), providing the release of 75-80% insulin within 15 min, and can be easily recovered from microspheres after contact with an aqueous medium with no significant changes in their size and zeta potential values. Therefore, this work demonstrated that protein-loaded nanoparticles could be successfully incorporated into microspheres with adequate characteristics to reach the deep lung, which after contact with its aqueous environment are expected to be able to release the nanoparticles, and thus, the therapeutic macromolecule.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Salt formation in solid dispersions consisting of polyacrylic acid as a carrier and three basic model compounds resulting in very high glass transition temperatures and constant dissolution properties upon storage.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the suitability of polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a carrier in solid dispersions, with the aim to delay crystallization of basic drugs and improve their dissolution behaviour. The physicochemical properties were investigated in order to link the physical state of some model compounds to their dissolution properties. Loperamide and two structurally related substances were selected as model compounds. Solid dispersions were prepared by spray drying. The amount of residual solvents and water was determined with gas chromatography (GCS: S: solvent) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The drug loading of the dispersions was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ADSC (alternating or temperature modulated DSC), XRD and FT-IR-spectroscopy were used to evaluate the physical state and in vitro dissolution tests were performed to measure the dissolution properties. IR-measurements demonstrated the formation of a salt between the COOH-groups of the polymer and the amino-groups of the compounds. This phenomenon results in high T(g)-values of the dispersions, suppression of crystallization of the fragment molecules during preparation and an increase of the dissolution rate. Furthermore, the stability study conducted on the dispersions with loperamide showed that both, the amorphous state of the drug and the dissolution behaviour are stable under the applied storage conditions. Hence, from the experimental results it could be concluded that PAA is a suitable carrier in the formulation of stable solid dispersions for the basic compounds that were investigated.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2005

A subchronic toxicity study in rats and genotoxicity tests with an aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion.

Surelease Aqueous Ethylcellulose Dispersion is an excipient used as a modified release coating for beads, granules, non-pariels, drug crystals and tablets and for taste masking applications for drug products and dietary supplement products. A study was conducted to assess the toxicity of spray-dried Surelease when administered orally, via dietary admixture, to Sprague-Dawley CD rats (20/sex/group) at dose levels of 0, 2000, 3500, and 5000 mg/kg/day for a period of at least 3 months. After 3 months of treatment, all rats scheduled for terminal sacrifice were killed and selected organs were weighed. Complete macroscopic examinations and histopathological evaluation of selected tissues were conducted on all animals. Neuropathological evaluations were performed on 5 animals/sex/group. No mortality occurred during the study. Clinical observations, ophthalmology, body weight and food consumption, hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, functional observational assessments, motor activity, organ weights and ratios and macroscopic and microscopic observations did not reveal any significant, consistent, dose-dependent test article-related adverse effects. The NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect-level) is 5000 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested. A series of genotoxicity tests were conducted with Surelease. Surelease showed no evidence of mutagenic activity in the bacterial reverse mutation test with and without metabolic activation and in the in vitro cell mutation assay under the experimental conditions employed. Surelease did not show any evidence of causing chromosome damage or bone marrow cell toxicity when administered by gavage in the mouse micronucleus in vivo test procedure. These findings support the safety of Surelease for use as an excipient.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Inhibitory activity of Thai condiments on pandemic strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Antibacterial activity of 13 condiments used in Thai cooking was investigated with a pandemic strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Using a disk diffusion technique, freshly squeezed extracts from galangal, garlic and lemon, at a concentration of 10 microl/disk produced a clear zone of 13.6+/-0.5, 11.6+/-0.5 and 8.6+/-1.2mm, respectively. The inhibitory activity of these 3 condiments on pandemic strains was not significantly different from that on non-pandemic strains of V. parahaemolyticus. Because of its popularity in seafood cooking, galangal was subjected to further investigation. Only a chloroform extract of galangal inhibited growth of V. parahaemolyticus producing a clear zone of 9.5+/-0.5, 12.0+/-0 and 13.5+/-0.5mm diameter at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 microg/disk, respectively. One active component is identified as 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate. The activity of galangal was not reduced at pH 3 or in the presence of 0.15% bile salt but was reduced by freeze and spray drying. Heating a fresh preparation of galangal to 100 degrees C but not 50 degrees C for 30 min also reduced growth inhibition. Therefore, using fresh galangal in cooking was recommended. The MIC and MBC of a freshly squeezed preparation of galangal were 1:16 and 1:16, respectively. This is the first report of an inhibitory activity of a Thai medicinal plant, galangal that is used in Thai cooking, on the pandemic strain of V. parahaemolyticus.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Evidence on the role of protein biosynthesis in the induction of heat tolerance of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG by pressure pre-treatment.

It was the aim of this work to evaluate, whether and to which extent heat resistance of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is affected by mild pressure treatments prior to exposure to lethal temperatures, such as during spray-drying. It was observed that cells pressure pre-treated at 100 MPa at 37 degrees C for 10 min showed higher survival than untreated cells when exposed to heat challenge at 60 degrees C. To gain more insights on the cellular mode of action of pressure induced heat tolerance, flow cytometric analysis was applied in combination with functional dye LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability kit. Dot plot analysis showed that a lower degree of membrane damage was observed at pressure pre-treated cells upon heat treatment at 60 degrees C for 3 min. Evaluation of heat inactivation kinetics of cells pressure treated in the presence of chloramphenicol, a protein synthesis inhibitor, pointed out the potential contribution of pressure-induced protein biosynthesis in the enhancement of bacterial heat tolerance.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2004

The potential of high speed DSC (hyper-DSC) for the detection and quantification of small amounts of amorphous content in predominantly crystalline samples.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether it is possible to use hyper differential scanning calorimetry (HDSC) to detect and quantify low levels of amorphous content in samples that are mostly crystalline. HDSC uses scan rates that are much faster than conventional DSC, and consequently results in greater sensitivity. It was found that with every increase in scan rate it became easier to detect the glass transition (Tg) response. Scanning at 500 degrees C/min was possible and this gave such great sensitivity that very low sample mass (ca. 1 mg) could be used without any loss in detection of Tg. Mixtures of crystalline and amorphous (spray dried) lactose were prepared and scanned at 500 degrees C/min. It was observed that the Tg response was easily detected even for samples that contained 1.5% amorphous content when using very low samples mass. The view held at present is that DSC is not well suited to studies of amorphous content if the sample contains 10% or less of the amorphous material. The data generated here show that much better detection sensitivity is possible when using the rapid scan rates. As well as being able to detect the presence of very low amorphous contents it was also possible to obtain a quantification, as a linear response was obtained for the step height change in heat flow as a function of amorphous content. It was concluded that HDSC provides a method of obtaining a very fast assessment of the presence of amorphous form, the possibility to quantify this and the need to use a very low sample mass. The combination of speed, low sample mass and sensitivity makes this a very valuable technique for studies on partially amorphous samples.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗
PubMed2004

Approaches to determine the enthalpy of crystallisation, and amorphous content, of lactose from isothermal calorimetric data.

Amorphous lactose will crystallise rapidly if its glass transition temperature is reduced below its storage temperature. This is readily achieved by storing samples at ambient temperature and a relative humidity (RH) of greater than 50%. If the sample is monitored in an isothermal microcalorimeter as it crystallises, the heat changes associated with the event can be measured; indeed this is one of the methods used to quantify the amorphous content of powders and formulations. However, variations in the calculation methods used to determine these heat changes have led to discrepancies in the values reported in the literature and frequently make comparison of data from different sources difficult. Data analysis and peak integration software allow the selection and integration of specific areas of complex traces with great reproducibility; this has led to the observation that previously ignored artefacts are in fact of sufficient magnitude to affect calculated enthalpies. In this work a number of integration methodologies have been applied to the analysis of amorphous spray-dried lactose, crystallised under 53 or 75% RH at 25 degrees C. The data allowed the selection of a standard methodology from which reproducible heat changes could be determined. The method was subsequently applied to the analysis of partially amorphous lactose samples (containing 1-100% (w/w) amorphous content) allowing the quantification limit of the technique to be established. It was found that the best approach for obtaining reproducible results was (i) to crystallise under an RH of 53%, because this slowed the crystallisation response allowing better experimental measurement and (ii) to integrate all the events occurring in the ampoule, rather than trying to select only that region corresponding to crystallisation, since it became clear that the processes occurring in the cell overlapped and could not be deconvoluted. The technique was able to detect amorphous contents as low as 1% (w/w), using this integration strategy, although it was observed that the calibration plot constructed showed a negative deviation from linearity. It is suggested that such non-ideal behaviour results from the formation of varying ratios of alpha-lactose monohydrate, anhydrous alpha-lactose and anhydrous beta-lactose.

Calorimetry↗
PubMed2004

Physical characterization of pantoprazole sodium hydrates.

Only two crystal forms of pantoprazole sodium, i.e. mono and sesquihydrate, were described in the literature. The objective of the present work was to study the polymorphisms and pseudopolymorphism of pantoprazole sodium and to characterize already known and new crystal forms. Two additional hydrate forms; i.e. form A, form B and amorphous form were obtained and further characterized by means of thermal analyses, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), mid-infrared spectroscopy (IR), near infrared spectroscopy (NIR), Raman spectroscopy, dynamic vapour sorption (DVS), true density, contact angle and solubility. From the results it can be concluded, that the most physically stable form of pantoprazole sodium is form B, whereas form A is the least stable form. Monohydrate and form A are not physically stable and convert into form B from saturated solution/suspension or at high relative humidity. Amorphous form can be obtained by conventional spray drying method or by distillation of solvent under reduced pressure.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed2005

An investigation into the thermal behaviour of a model drug mixture with amorphous trehalose.

The thermal and structural properties of amorphous trehalose mixed with a model drug, paracetamol, have been studied with a view to developing understanding of the thermal events undergone by such binary systems. A physical mixture of paracetamol and spray dried trehalose (1:9 weight ratio) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), hot stage microscopy (HSM), and variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction (VTPXRD). The presence of the drug resulted in a lower temperature recrystallization exotherm for the trehalose compared to the disaccharide alone. Evidence is presented for the trehalose recrystallization being triggered by the melting rather than simply the presence of the paracetamol particles. HSM studies indicated that the trehalose recrystallized around the drug on heating, with the recrystallization temperature again corresponding to the melting of the drug. VTPXRD indicated that the presence of the drug again lowered the recrystallization temperature of the trehalose, although the trehalose anhydrate diffraction peaks were discernible at a lower temperature for both the pure trehalose and the mixed systems than was observed for the DSC studies, suggesting that the association between recrystallization and drug melting was not apparent when using this approach. It is suggested that while the trehalose recrystallization process is not significantly influenced by the presence of the drug when studied over relatively long time periods such as those used for the VTPXRD studies, the process is triggered by the melting of the paracetamol when short experimental times and scanning conditions are used such as those relevant to DSC studies. These data have implications for the quality control of trehalose products using DSC, the characterisation of the physical structure of the binary systems and the prediction of the corresponding physical stability.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed2005

Hyaluronan-based microspheres as tools for drug delivery: a comparative study.

The present paper describes the production of biodegradable microparticles using different hyaluronan polymers, such as native hyaluronan, the esterified derivative of hyaluronan Hyaff 11p50 (where 50% of the carboxy groups of hyaluronic acid are esterified with benzyl alcohol) and the autocross-linked polymer (ACP) internally esterified derivative of hyaluronan, by solvent evaporation and spray-drying methods. As model drugs cromolyn sodium salt, metronidazole and prednisolone hemisuccinate sodium salt were employed. The influence of polymer and preparation procedure has been evaluated on microparticle characteristics (i.e. morphology and encapsulation yield) and on the drug release profiles. The use of solvent evaporation method, a polymeric matrix constituted of Hyaff 11p50 3% (w/v), a dispersing phase constituted of 80 g of mineral oil (w/o ratio: 0.1), Span 85 0.1% (w/w) as stabilizer, and a stirring speed of 700 rpm resulted in the production of microspheres characterized by spherical shape, absence of aggregates, a mean diameter of 6.4 microm and a recovery of 90% (w/w). The production of drug containing microspheres led to an increase of mean diameter of microspheres and to high encapsulation yields. Moreover in vitro models have demonstrated that in all cases drugs were released from Hyaff 11p50 microspheres in a controlled fashion. Finally mathematical analysis of the drug release modalities has evidenced that drug release from Hyaff 11p50 microspheres is more consistent with kinetics of the diffusion rather than of the dissolution type.

Drug Delivery Systems↗
PubMed2005

The use of inverse gas chromatography and gravimetric vapour sorption to study transitions in amorphous lactose.

The aim of this study was to measure the glass transition of amorphous lactose under well-controlled temperature and humidity, using inverse gas chromatography (IGC) and to relate these data to gravimetric vapour sorption experiments. Amorphous lactose (spray-dried) was exposed to a stepwise increment in the relative humidity (%RH) under isothermal conditions in an IGC. At the end of each conditioning step a decane injection was made, and the retention volumes were calculated using the maximum peak height (V(max)) method. The pressure drop across the column was recorded using the pressure transducers. These measurements were performed at various temperatures from 25 to 40 degrees C. The extent of water sorption at identical humidity (%RH) and temperature conditions was determined gravimetrically using dynamic vapour sorption (DVS). At each T, it was possible to determine: (1) a transition at low RH relating to the onset of mobility; (2) changes in retention volume relating to the point, where T(g) = T; (3) changes in pressure drop, which were related to the sample collapse. The rate and extent of water sorption was seen to alter at T(g) and also at a collapse point. Combinations of temperature and critical %RH (%cRH required to lower the dry glass transition temperature to the experimental temperature) obtained from IGC were comparable to those obtained from DVS. It was shown that at each T, the sample spontaneously crystallised, when T(g) was 32 degrees C below T. Inverse gas chromatograph can be used in this novel way to reveal the series of transitions that occur in amorphous materials.

Absorption↗
PubMed2005

Use of compressed gas precipitation to enhance the dissolution behavior of a poorly water-soluble drug: generation of drug microparticles and drug-polymer solid dispersions.

The classical anticonvulsant drug phenytoin (5,5-diphenyl hydantoin, C(15)H(12)N(2)O(2)) has been used as a model compound to investigate the possibility of enhancing the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs using dense gas antisolvent techniques. In a first step, microcrystals of neat phenytoin have been generated using the gas antisolvent (GAS) and precipitation with compressed antisolvent (PCA) processes, thereby assessing process performances and elucidating similarities and differences between the two techniques. In a second step, the PCA process has been used to generate solid dispersions of phenytoin in the hydrophilic polymer poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone)-K30 (PVP). In vitro dissolution results reveal a substantially better performance of the PCA-processed co-formulations compared to unprocessed phenytoin and to GAS- and PCA-precipitates of neat drug crystals. A comparison of the product quality of phenytoin-PVP co-formulations with solid dispersions obtained by spray drying convincingly underlines the potential of dense gas antisolvent techniques for the production of pharmaceutical formulations with enhanced oral bioavailability.

Chemical Precipitation↗
PubMed2006

Ionotropic cross-linked chitosan microspheres for controlled release of ampicillin.

The solubility of non cross-linked chitosan in weak acid solutions restricts its utility in microspheres for drug delivery. The primary aim of this study was to produce pentasodium tripolyphosphate cross-linked chitosan microspheres with higher acid resistance for controlled release of ampicillin. The microspheres were prepared by two different microencapsulation procedures (by emulsification and by spray-drying) and characterized by their particle size, surface morphology, stability, drug entrapment efficiency and drug release. The size of the microspheres was <10 microm with a narrow size distribution. The entrapment of ampicillin in the microspheres was more than 80%. Stability of uncross-linked and cross-linked microspheres was affected by the pH of simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.5). The inclusion of the enzymes pepsin and pancreatin did not affect the stability of the microspheres. The inclusion of lysozyme in phosphate buffer saline resulted in increased solubilization. The release of the drug was affected by cross-linking of microspheres with tripolyphosphate (TPP). The cross-linked microspheres were more stable in simulated gastric fluid and showed slower but sustained release of ampicillin. The antimicrobial activity of the released ampicillin was confirmed by Staphylococcus aureus bioassay.

Ampicillin↗