Synthesis of Bupropion HCl Loaded Microspheres Using Microencapsulation Technique and Various Polymers and In Vitro Evaluation

The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate sustained release microspheres of bupropion HCl by using various polymers. Ionic gelation method was used for the preparation of microbeads. Eleven formulations were prepared by using different concentrations of polymers. Prepared microbeads were evaluated for FTIR, entrapment efficiency, SEM, % yield, flow properties and drug release studies. Rheological studies showed that microbeads exhibited good flow properties. FTIR spectra confirmed compatibility between drug and polymers. XRD analysis of bupropion HCl showed that drug was in amorphous state in microbeads. SEM results, % age yield and percentage entrapment efficiency of sodium alginate (NaAlg) microbeads and sodium alginate-guar gum (NaAlg-GG) beads was satisfactory. The swelling study indicated that microspheres initially swelled then swelling decreased with the passage of time. Release kinetics studies showed that bupropion HCl microspheres followed Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model and release mechanism of drug from microbeads was non fickian diffusion. Among different formulations, F9 formulation is the best formulation. This formulation contains NaAlg 3.5% w/v and GG 0.5% w/v. This formulation has better sustained release effect as compared to other formulations.