Preparation and characterization of theophylline loaded chitosan/beta-cyclodextrin microspheres.

The purpose of this project was to develop sustained release chitosan/beta-cyclodextrin microspheres of theophylline (TH) prepared by spray drying method. The effect of several formulation variables on the characteristics of microspheres was studied. The B microspheres had a narrower particle size distribution with the diameter between l and 10 microm. SEM showed spherical microspheres with smooth or slightly wrinkled surfaces. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that hydrogen bonds were formed between TH and chitosan or beta-cyclodextrin. The drug entrapments significantly increased from 13.33 to 35.70% with an increase of the ratio of drug/polymer. The encapsulation efficiencies were from 85.16 to 91.40%. The in vitro release of TH from microspheres was related to the pH of the medium, swelling ability, especially in the ratio of drug/polymer. The B microspheres had a prolonged release pattern with the release rate of 60.20% (pH 6.8) within 8 h.