Comparative Evaluation of Cefixime Microspheres Utilizing a Natural Polymer and a Synthetic Polymer

Abstract

Microspheres are naturally biodegradable, free-flowing powders with a particle size of less than 200 micrometres that are comprised of proteins or synthetic polymers. Using microspheres is a reliable strategy to ensure that the drug is accurately delivered to the target area and that the right concentration is kept there without having any unfavourable side effects. The objective of the present study was to create a sustained-release cefixime trihydrate microsphere delivery system employing natural and synthetic polymers as a carrier and increase therapeutic effectiveness. Due to the simplicity of processing, the solvent injection method was used to create microspheres. Microspheres were created with this technology using the sustained-release polymer, sodium alginate, and active material (drug). The compatibility of components with the drug was evaluated using XRD and FT-IR. In an in-vitro release research, the dissolving medium was phosphate buffer at pH 6.8. For the kinetic analysis of the drug release mechanism, graphs for zero-order, first-order, Higuchi's, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixson-Crowell models were also created. The best formulation was chosen from the batches, and in-vitro cefixime trihydrate release studies for various microspheres containing cefixime trihydrate in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 8 hours were performed. The dissolution profiles of formulations F4 and F8 showed that the formulation, including xanthan gum, F8, released 55.01% more medication in 8 hours than the formulation using HPMC, F4. X-ray diffraction, swelling index of drug-laden microspheres, and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to evaluate formulation F8. The graphs for zero-order, first-order, Higuchi's, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixson- Crowell models were plotted, and the optimised batch was discovered to match Higuchi's drug release kinetics with an R2 value of 0.990. Cefixime trihydrate microspheres can be utilized as a new drug delivery technology to minimize dose frequency and, as a result, to promote patient compliance.