In vitro drug release from egg albumin microcapsules.

The in vitro release of phenacetin from microcapsules prepared using egg albumin as the membrane material was investigated. It was shown by scanning electron microscopy that the albumin microcapsules have nonsmooth surfaces. The amount of phenacetin released is proportional to the square root of time up to 50-70% drug release. Increases in the albumin concentration and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer content in the aqueous phases used in the microcapsule preparation have an effect on matrix porosity and channel tortuosity in the matrix of albumin microcapsules. The in vitro release rate was found to decrease with increasing albumin concentration and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone polymer content in the aqueous phases. The in vitro release rate per unit area also decreased with decreasing capsule size.