Mucoadhesive controlled release microcapsules of indomethacin: optimization and stability study.

The aim of this project was to develop and optimize indomethacin microcapsules composed of multiple mucoadhesive polymers for high drug entrapment, good mucoadhesiveness and drug release in a controlled fashion over a longer period of time. Microcapsules containing sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, Carbopol 934 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were prepared by orifice-ionic gelation method. The effects of composition of microcapsules on drug entrapment efficacy, drug release and mucoadhesive character were determined by mixture statistical design. Most formulations exhibited good mucoadhesive property in everted intestinal sac test. Drug entrapment efficiency (68-94%) was dependent on the type of polymers. Drug release (92-100%) extended over 12 h. The optimized formulation resulted in drug entrapment efficiency of 89.3%, drug release of 94.8% and mucoadhesiveness of 30.4%. All formulations were stable for more than 1.5 years. The optimized mucoadhesive microcapsules are promising for controlled delivery of indomethacin with twice a day oral administration.