Abstract

MELPHALAN SPANLASTICS FOR ORAL ADMINISTRATION – FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Prathima Srinivas* and Swathi Bharatha

Abstract

The main aim of the present study was to optimize the composition of spanlastics containing Melphalan for oral administration with a view to achieve sustained release. Melphalan loaded spanlastics were prepared by Ethanol Injection Method using non-ionic surfactants (Span 40 & Span 60) and edge activators (Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80, Sodium taurocholate and Sodium deoxycholate) in different ratios like 85:15, 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50. Spanlastics were characterized for their particle size, surface morphology, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro diffusion, drug compatibility studies and stability studies. Spanlastics were prepared using Span 60 as nonionic surfactants and Sodium taurocholate(STC), Sodium deoxycholate(SDC) as edge activators. This combination 80:20 w/w was found to be the optimized formulation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical shape. The entrapment efficiency and percentage drug release of optimized formulation were found to be 78% and 80% respectively.

Keywords: Spanlastics, Melphalan, Ethanol injection method, Non ionic surfactant, Edge activator.