Development of diclofenac sodium-loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads using central composite design

Background and the purpose of the study: Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent with a short biological half-life (1-2 hr) and requires multiple dosing. This research was carried out to develop and optimize diclofenac sodium loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads to eliminate the need for multiple dosing and adverse effects. Diclofenac sodium loaded alginate-PVP K 30 microbeads were prepared by ionotropic gelation. Particle size, drug release, swelling, FTIR and SEM analyses were performed. Optimized microbeads showed particle size of 0.589 ± 0.054 to 0.620 ± 0.067 mm, and drug entrapment efficiency of 97.88 ± 2.86 to 98.60 ± 3.55 %. The in vitro drug release from microbeads was sustained over 10 hrs and followed controlled-release pattern. FTIR analysis indicated the possibility of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, i.e., -OH...O=C in microbeads. Microbeads for oral controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium were successfully developed by ionotropic gelation.