Fabrication of plant protein microspheres for encapsulation, stabilization and in vitro release of multiple anti-tuberculosis drugs

An attempt has been made to encapsulate anti-tuberculosis drugs in microspheres. For the present studies Zein has been chosen for the preparation of microspheres. The effect of various constituents on the microspheres fabrication has also been investigated. Various parameters and methodologies such as percentage yield, encapsulation efficiency, optical microscopy, SEM, FTIR and in vitro release have been utilized for characterization of microspheres. Stability studies as reviewed from turbidity results show that increase in the relative turbidity is indicative of agglomeration in different pH mediums. Dissolution of drugs from different formulations (single, binary, ternary mixture) has been analyzed using ratio derivative and double divisor ratio derivative methods. The kinetics of drug release and its release mechanism have been analyzed using different mathematical models. Rifampicin gives non-Fickian release from the single drug formulation and Fickian release in the presence of other drugs (binary, ternary mixtures). The results for isoniazid and pyrazinamide in all the formulations indicate a Fickian release mechanism.

Stable microspheres have been successfully prepared using Zein with the solvent evaporation method and characterized by percentage yield, encapsulation efficiency, optical microscopy, SEM, FTIR studies and in vitro release. Stability studies as reviewed from turbidity results show that increase in the relative turbidity is indicative of agglomeration in different pH mediums. Dissolution of drugs from different formulations (single, binary, ternary mixture) has been analysed using ratio derivative and double divisor ratio derivative methods. The kinetics of drug release and its release mechanism have been analyzed using different mathematical models.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Stable Zein microspheres have been successfully prepared for encapsulation of anti-TB drugs. ▶ Encapsulation efficiency of anti-TB drugs in microspheres is highest for rifampicin and lowest for isoniazid. ▶ The configuration of protein and its interaction with the studied drugs have been verified with FTIR. ▶ Stability of microspheres has been assessed using Turbidity and pH studies. ▶ Rifampicin shows non-Fickian whereas isoniazid and pyrazinamide follow Fickian release.