Controlled release application of multilamellar vesicles: a novel drug delivery approach.

A novel multilamellar vesicular delivery system was developed for the controlled release application. Multilamellar vesicles were prepared by thin film hydration and converted into proliposomes by freeze-drying. A model drug metoclopramide, a highly hydrophilic drug, was successfully encapsulated into proliposomes. The proliposomes produced were non-sticky, free-flowing powders. The proliposomes were formulated into a unit dosage form by combining with various excipients. The effect of different compositions such as type and concentration of phospholipid or hydrophilic polymer was investigared to optimize the formulation. The formation of multilamellar vesicles was confirmed by observing the process of hydration of proliposomes under an optical microscope. The spherical shape of vesicles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mean particle sizes were in the range of 1.3-2.5 microm, as measured by dynamic light scattering technique. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study of formulations was conducted to understand the crystalline nature of drug in the vesicles. The results indicated a molecular level dispersion of drug into proliposomes with encapsulation efficiency up to 43%. Critical formulation parameters were identified to obtain a near zero order in vitro release pattern. Proliposomal formulations produced were suitable as multiparticulate drug delivery systems for the controlled release of a highly hydrophilic molecule.