Preparation and characterization of amoxicillin mucoadhesive microparticles using solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO₂.

The purpose of this research was to formulate and systemically evaluate in vitro and in vivo performances of mucoadhesive amoxicillin microparticles for the potential use in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, which were associated with Helicobacter pylori. The chitosan/amoxicillin microparticles were successfully prepared in a process of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO₂ (SEDS). The morphological characteristics of the mucoadhesive microparticles were studied under scanning electron microscope. The resulted microparticles with mean sizes ranged from 1.0 and 2.5 µm had good mucoadhesive properties. In vitro and in vivo mucoadhesive tests showed that chitosan/amoxicillin mucoadhesive microparticles adhered more strongly to gastric mucous layer and could retain in gastrointestinal tract for an extended period of time. The X-Ray Powder Diffractometry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis demonstrated that the SEDS process was a typical physical coating process to produce drug-polymer composite microparticles, which is favourable for drugs since there is no changes in chemistry. In vitro release test showed that amoxicillin released faster in pH 1.0 hydrochloric acid (HCl) than in pH 7.8 phosphate buffer. In vivo H. pylori clearance tests were also carried out by administering amoxicillin powder and mucoadhesive microparticles to H. pylori infectious Wistar rats under fed conditions at single dose or multiple dose(s) in oral administration. The results showed that amoxicillin mucoadhesive microparticles had a better clearance effect than amoxicillin powder. In conclusion, the prolonged gastrointestinal residence time and enhanced amoxicillin stability resulting from the mucoadhesive microparticles of amoxicillin might make a contribution to H. pylori complete eradication.