Design and in vitro Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Microcapsules of Pioglitazone

Abstract

Mucoadhesive microcapsules of pioglitazone were prepared using sodium alginate as a shell forming polymer and Carbapol 974, HPMC, Sodium CMC as a mucoadhesive polymer for the potential use of treating acute and chronic diabetes mellitus. Large spherical microcapsules with a coat consisting of sodium alginate and a mucoadhesive polymer could be prepared by oriÞ ce-ionic gelation process. The microcapsules exhibited good mucoadhesive properties and drug release from these mucoadhesive microcapsules was slow and extended over longer periods of time, depending on the composition of the coat. These mucoadhesive microcapsules are, thus, suitable for oral controlled release of pioglitazone.

Keywords: Controlled release; microcapsules; mucoadhesive; oriÞ ce-ionic gelation method; pioglitazone; sodium alginate