Formulation and statistical optimization of multiple-unit ibuprofen-loaded buoyant system using 23-factorial design

▸ Buoyant beads containing ibuprofen was successfully developed by emulsion-gelation method for gastroretentive delivery. ▸ Sodium alginate, liquid paraffin, and magnesium stearate were used as excipients for the formulation of buoyant beads. ▸ The effect of process parameters on the properties of beads was optimized. ▸ The optimized beads showed buoyancy and in vitro drug release over 8 h in simulated gastric fluid, pH 1.2. ▸ The drug release followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model with anomalous diffusion mechanism.