FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOFOSBUVIR LOADED CHITOSAN MICROSPHERES
Akash Rajesh Gujarkar, Shivakant Shukla, Richa Verma, Mehta Parulben D
ABSTRACT
The development of effective drug delivery systems is crucial for improving the therapeutic efficacy of poorly soluble drugs like Sofosbuvir. In this study, Sofosbuvir-loaded chitosan microspheres were prepared using the ionotropic gelation method to enhance the drug's bioavailability and sustain its release. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was used to encapsulate Sofosbuvir to achieve controlled drug release and improve its therapeutic outcomes. The microspheres were characterized for various parameters such as percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, flow properties, and drug release kinetics. The results showed that formulation F3, which exhibited the highest entrapment efficiency (75.56%) and an optimal drug release profile, was the most promising. The stability studies revealed that the formulation remained stable under different storage conditions, with minimal changes in particle size and entrapment efficiency over three months. The cumulative drug release profile demonstrated sustained release of Sofosbuvir from the chitosan microspheres, with over 90% drug release within 12 hours. The study concluded that chitosan microspheres offer a promising approach for the sustained delivery of Sofosbuvir, potentially improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy.
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