Formulation and evaluation of hydrocortisone micro beads

The current study aimed to develop hydrocortisone mucoadhesive microbeads to prolong the drug's action in the gastrointestinal system, targeting Crohn's disease treatment. Hydrocortisone, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects, was utilized in bead form to enhance therapeutic efficacy, extend residence time, and reduce dosage frequency. Using sodium alginate, HPMC, and Eudragit L-100 as adhesive polymers, and calcium chloride and aluminium chloride as cross-linking agents, the study crafted microbeads with an entrapment efficiency between 57.23% and 91.69%. Evaluations focused on in vitro drug release, particle size, surface characteristics, entrapment efficiency, and the role of cross-linking ions. Of the formulations, HCS-8 (with sodium alginate and Eudragit L-100 using aluminium chloride as the gelling solution) and HCS-2 showed optimal drug release profiles. Notably, HCS-8 achieved a 12-hour drug release delay, attributed to aluminium chloride's cross-linking action. Drug release kinetics revealed a zero-order linearity (R2=0.99), suggesting super case 2 transport as the primary release mechanism.