Spray-dried albumin microspheres for the intra-articular delivery of dexamethasone.
This work deals with the preparation of corticosteroid-loaded albumin microspheres designed for intra-articular administration. Dexamethasone was chosen as the model drug and bovine serum albumin was used as the biodegradable, natural polymer. Albumin microspheres were produced by spray drying, a 'one-step' technique seldom used in the preparation of microparticulate drug delivery systems with particle sizes < 10 microns. The effects of both polymer/drug ratio used in the formulations and the different heat-stabilization conditions were evaluated on morphology, size, solubility characteristics, drug loading and 'in vitro' drug release of the microparticles.
Pavanetto
F
F
Dipartimento di Chimica Farmaceutica, Università di Pavia, Italy.
Genta
I
I
Giunchedi
P
P
Conti
B
B
Conte
U
U
D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D004339:Drug Compounding; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008863:Microspheres; D010316:Particle Size; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility
D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D003907:Dexamethasone