Formulation and In vitro Evaluation of Ibuprofen-Loaded Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) Microparticles

Purpose: To enhance and control the release of ibuprofen from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles. Methods: Ibuprofen-loaded microparticles containing PLGA were formulated using a emulsification/solvent evaporation method. Various concentrations of ibuprofen (200, 300, 400 and 0 mg) were loaded into the PLGA microparticles and the formulations labeled A, B, C and D, respectively. The microcapsules were characterized for drug loading, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential (ZP) and drug release. Results: The zeta potential of the microparticles were -53, -68.7, -43.1, and -37.4 mV for batches A, B, C and D, respectively. Polydispersity index ranged from 0.745 to 0.900. Encapsulation efficiency (EE %) and loading capacity (LC) ranged from 83.4 to 89.3 and 23.4 to 30.1, respectively. Maximum and minimum release of 92 and 72.0 % at 18 h were obtained for batches C and A, respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that PLGA-loaded with ibuprofen can serve as an alternative carrier for controlled release of ibuprofen.