QbD-Enabled Systematic Development of Ileo-Colonic Targeted Novel Mucoadhesive Microspheres of Flurbiprofen

Background: Flurbiprofen (FLBP), used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, has a short biological half-life. Frequent intake of FLBP may lead to some serious gastric complications, which makes FLBP an ideal candidate for sustained release preparation to the Ileo-colonic region of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Eudragit coated chitosan microspheres in delivering Flurbiprofen in a sustained manner to the Ileo-colonic region of the GIT for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Methods: In the present study, mucoadhesive chitosan microspheres were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation method by varying different process parameters. Optimized chitosan microspheres were coated with Eudragit L-100 and Eudragit S-100. A 32 full factorial design was applied for optimization. The effect of independent variables (Eudragit L-100 to Eudragit S-100 ratio and stirring speed) on dependent variable i.e. percentage cumulative drug release (%CDR) at 3 h and 24 h was evaluated. The optimized batch was evaluated by FT-IR, DSC study, XRD study and SEM analysis. Results: Discrete spherical shape chitosan microspheres with entrapment efficiency of up to 95.4% were obtained and selected for coating. Chitosan microspheres were coated successfully with different ratios of Eudragit L-100 to Eudragit S-100. The release profile of the optimized batch matches with the desired release profile. FLBP was found to be stable and molecularly dispersed in the polymer matrix. Conclusion: Taken together it can be concluded that prepared microspheres may be considered as a suitable for delivering FLBP to the Ileo-colonic region of the GIT in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.