Preparation of Alginate Gel Beads Containing Metformin Hydrochloride Using Emulsion- Gelation Method

P K Choudhury* and Mousumi Kar**

**Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MLSU, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

*Department of Pharmacy, Fiji School of Medicine, Hoodless House, Suva, Fiji Island

 

Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2005; 4(2): 489-493

ISSN: 1596-5996

 

Abstract

A new emulsion gelation method was used to prepare gel beads for a highly water-soluble drug metformin hydrochloride using sodium alginate as the polymer. The gel beads containing oil was prepared by gently mixing or homogenizing oil and water phase containing sodium alginate which was then extruded into calcium chloride solution to produce gel beads. The effects of factors like type of oil and percentage of oil on the morphology and release characteristics were investigated. A variety of oils were used to study the effect on the sustaining property of the formed beads. The oil entrapped calcium alginate gel beads showed good sustained release. Scanning electron photomicrographs demonstrated minute oil globules on the beads and also through the inner surface of the beads. The beads also showed floating behavior depending on the type of the oil that have been used for the preparation.

To whom correspondence should be addressed: Tel: +91- 02942470192   Email: karmousumi@hotmail.com