Formulation and Characterization of Magnetically Responsive Mesalamine Microspheres for Colon Targeting

Background: Magnetically Responsive Mesalamine Microspheres is an effective strategy for localized drug delivery only at the target site for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Diseases and thereby minimizing the dose and drug induced toxicity. Objective: The main objective of the study is to localize the drug only at the target site thereby minimizing the dose. Result and Discussion: 1. The aim of present study was to formulate Magnetically Responsive Mesalamine Microspheres by solvent evaporation method using biodegradable polymers Chitosan and Pectin and carry out the various pharmaceutical and magnetic characterizations, to study the effect of polymer type on in-vitro drug release and preclinical in-vitro screening studies such as in- vitro release studies using microflora activated system and in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity. 2. Chemical compatibility study was performed using FTIR spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy studies indicated that the Mesalamine is compatible with polymers. The spectra showed no changes in the major peaks thus confirming no interactions between drug and polymers. 3. Calibration curves of Mesalamine was constructed in Phosphate Buffer Saline pH7. 4. Magnetite (Fe3O4) (used as magnetic carrier) was chemically synthesized using precipitation method.5. In the present study, 3 formulations were prepared in total by using Chitosan and Pectin as polymer in different ratios (1:1,1:2 and 1:3) of each polymer and combination of two polymers. Also, the effect of polymer type was studied. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the Magnetically Responsive Mesalamine Microspheres offer a localized drug delivery only at the target site by the combined effect of physical approach (utilizing the principle of magnetic targeting with an intention to produce a depot near the target organ) and biochemical approach (using biodegradable polymers chitosan and pectin for drug release in a controlled manner). By producing a depot near the target organ, unwanted distribution of drug to non-target organ can be avoided.