Formulation and evaluation of cidofovir loaded microspheres

Abstract

The study aimed to produce and assess cidofovir microspheres using the emulsion solvent diffusion method. Microspheres loaded with ethyl cellulose and HPMC were prepared. FTIR analysis confirmed stability with no drug-polymer interaction, and compatibility investigations ensured formulation compatibility. SEM determined particle size, with yields ranging from 84.44% to 87.62% and drug content from 64.8% to 97.2%. Particle sizes ranged from 20 µm to 210 µm, with drug loading capacities of 55.6% to 96.8% and entrapment efficiencies of 55.5% to 89.1%. Swellability studies showed a range of 0.6 to 1.6 seconds. Formulation CM8 exhibited optimal dissolution in vitro at 62.87%. Drug dissolution data were fitted to various models, with R2 values ranging from 0.937 to 0.061. Up to 45 minutes of drug release was observed. Overall, cidofovir-loaded HPMC and ethyl cellulose microspheres showed favorable release properties under optimal conditions.