Ionotropically emulsion gelled polysaccharides beads: Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Floating famotidine loaded mineral oil-entrapped emulsion gel (MOEG) beads were prepared by the emulsion–gelation method. Different polysaccharides (sodium alginate and pectin), oil concentrations (10%, 20% and 30% w/w) and drug:polymer (D:P) ratios (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1) were used and their influence on beads uniformity, drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) and in vitro drug release, was studied. The results clearly indicated that retardation of drug release for 4 h was achieved by the oil hydrophobic diffusional barrier, especially in the presence of the compact network of alginate beads. Calcium alginate beads containing 20% oil and 2:1 D:P ratio, showed an optimum DEE of 88.32%. When evaluated in vivo, this formula displayed superior antiulcer activity (>2) over drug suspension or marketed conventional tablets.