Comparative Evaluation of Cefixime Microspheres Utilizing a Natural Polymer and a Synthetic Polymer

Abstract

Background:: Microspheres are naturally biodegradable, free-flowing powders with a particle size of less than 200 micrometres that are comprised of proteins or synthetic polymers. Using microspheres is a reliable strategy to ensure that the drug is accurately delivered to the target area and that the right concentration is kept there without having any unfavourable side effects. Objective:: The objective of the present study was to create a sustained-release cefixime trihydrate microsphere delivery system employing natural and synthetic polymers as a carrier and increase therapeutic effectiveness. Methods:: Due to the simplicity of processing, the solvent injection method was used to create microspheres. Microspheres were created with this technology using the sustained-release polymer, sodium alginate, and active material (drug). The compatibility of components with the drug was evaluated using XRD and FT-IR. In an in-vitro release research, the dissolving medium was phosphate buffer at pH 6.8. For the kinetic analysis of the drug release mechanism, graphs for zero-order, first-order, Higuchi's, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixson-Crowell models were also created. Results:: The best formulation was chosen from the batches, and in-vitro cefixime trihydrate release studies for various microspheres containing cefixime trihydrate in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 8 hours were performed. The dissolution profiles of formulations F4 and F8 showed that the formulation, including xanthan gum, F8, released 55.01% more medication in 8 hours than the formulation using HPMC, F4. X-ray diffraction, swelling index of drug-laden microspheres, and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to evaluate formulation F8. The graphs for zero-order, first-order, Higuchi's, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixson- Crowell models were plotted, and the optimised batch was discovered to match Higuchi's drug release kinetics with an R2 value of 0.990. Conclusion:: Cefixime trihydrate microspheres can be utilized as a new drug delivery technology to minimize dose frequency and, as a result, to promote patient compliance.