Studies in Oxcarbazepine Microspheres Employing Plackett and Burman Design

Abstract

Objective: The present work was aimed to screen material and processing parameters affecting encapsulation efficiency and drug release from microspheres. Methods: Oxcarbazepine loaded microspheres were prepared employing multiple emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Ratio of chitosan to ethyl cellulose, ratio of drug to polymer, stirring speed, ratio of dichloromethane to methanol, amount of Span 80 and the volume of aqueous phase were selected as independent variables in the Plackett and Burman design. The microspheres were characterized for percentage yield, percentage encapsulation efficiency, particle size distribution and in vitro drug release. Results: The critical material and processing parameters affecting encapsulation efficiency were chitosan to ethyl cellulose ratio, volume of water, stirring speed and drug to polymer ratio. Initial burst release was affected by volume of water, temperature, dichloromethane to methanol ratio, amount of Span 80 and drug to polymer ratio. FTIR study showed compatibility of the drug with excipients. Conclusion: The outcome of the study shall be used to calculate risk priority number (RPN) and for devising suitable control strategies for the critical factors at industry.