International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
A Novel Gastro-Retentive Floating Microsphere of Gabapentin G. Gunamathi, M. Pharm*¹, S. Kalaiyarasan², P. Jothi Mani³, S. Jothi⁴ 1. Assistant Professor of Sri Vijay Vidyalaya College of Pharmacy, Nallampalli, Dharmapuri. 2, 3, 4. B. Pharm student of Sri Vijay Vidyalaya College of Pharmacy, Nallampalli, Dharmapuri.
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ABSTRACT- Gabapentin is a widely used antiepileptic and neuropathic pain drug that exhibits absorption mainly in the
upper gastrointestinal tract and has a short biological half-life, which limits its oral bioavailability. To present research aimed at developing a novel gastro-retentive microsphere system gabapentin design to prolong gastric residence attain prolong sustained drug diffusion Floating microcapsule were formulated prepared utilizing sodium alginate and ethyl cellulose as polymeric carriers by the ionotropic gelation technique mediated by calcium chloride. The developed formulations were systematically evaluated for particle size distribution, surface morphology, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro buoyancy, and in vitro drug dissolution behavior. FTIR analysis verified the absence of significant drug–polymer interaction, suggesting compatibility between gabapentin and selected excipients. The optimized formulation demonstrated good floating ability with prolonged buoyancy and sustained drug release over an extended period. In Vitro release studies demonstrated a controlled release pattern suitable for gastro-retentive delivery. Overall, the developed gastro-retentive floating microspheres of gabapentin may represent a promising approach to improve therapeutic efficacy, reduce dosing frequency, and enhance patient compliance in the management of neuropathic pain and epilepsy.
KEY WORDS: Gabapentin, gastro-retentive drug delivery system, floating microspheres, sodium alginate, ethyl cellulose, sustained release.
I. INTRODUCTION: Microspheres are small spherical particles designed for drug delivery with diameters in the range of 1-1000 micrometers. Microspheres are also known as microparticles. They consist of microcrystalline structures or are used to encapsulate medicinal compounds in various formulations. Microspheres are designed to be synthesized from a wide range of biopolymers and synthetic polymers. The role of microspheres is crucial. Improve the absorption of traditional medicines and minimize side effects. Microcapsules are spherical, freely circulating particles made up of naturally biodegradable macromolecules. Microspheres can be classified into two main types: Micrometrics: In these the active substance is uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. Microcapsules: These consist of a core material enclosed within a well-defined capsule wall.
FLOATING MICROSPHERES: Floating microspheres are a type of drug delivery system that has a bulk density lower than gastric fluid, allowing them to remain buoyant in the stomach regardless of the stomach emptying rate. While floating is a type of drug delivery system, they release the drug for a prolonged period of gastric fluid, minimizing side effects, increasing the bioavailability, and thereby providing a sustained therapeutic effect. While floating on the stomach contents, the drug is released gradually at a controlled rate, which prolongs gastric residence time and stabilizes plasma drug concentration. Thereby providing a sustained therapeutic effect.
Fig 01: Floating Microspheres
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