Abstract

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF ACYCLOVIR MICRO SPONGES

V. Chandrakala*, S. Srinivasan and T.L. Shwetha

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present research work was to develop and evaluate Acyclovir loaded micro sponges using synthetic polymers. Microsponges prolong the drug release when applied topically. Micro sponges of Acyclovir were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method by using Ethyl Cellulose and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose as polymers in different ratios. The compatibility of the formulation was confirmed by Infrared spectroscopy. Acyclovir micro sponges were spherical in nature, confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. A maximum of 95.67% drug entrapment efficiency was obtained. F5 formulations with 3:9 ratios of Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose: Ethyl Cellulose showed maximum drug release. The coefficient of kinetic studies indicated that the release data was best fitted with Higuchi model and followed Non- Fickian diffusion mechanism. On the basis of particle size, entrapment efficiency, morphology, in-vitro release studies and its kinetics data.

Keywords: Hydroxy Propyl methyl cellulose, Ethyl cellulose, Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron microscopy, Release kinetics.