FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF METFORMIN MICROSPHERE FOR ENHANCED DRUG DELIVERY VIA SPRAY DRYING IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MANAGEMENT

This study focuses on developing and characterizing metformin microspheres using spray drying with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a polymer, aiming to enhance gastrointestinal drug delivery, reduce gastric irritation, and lower dosage requirements for type 2 diabetes management. Metformin hydrochloride and HPMC concentrations are varied to generate microspheres with1 to1000µm diameter. These biodegradable polymers were selected because of their efficacy and compatibility with drugs. The thermal analysis and compatibility of the excipients used in microsphere tablet compression are assessed using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In-vitro drug release behaviour is evaluated over an 8-hour period using a Copley dissolution tester in 0.1 N HCl at 37 ± 0.5°C, with drug release monitored by UV spectroscopy at 228 nm. Results show that metformin release from microspheres is sustained for the first 6 hours, with a decrease noted at the 8-hour mark. The Higuchi model suggested diffusion-controlled release, while the Korsmeyer-Peppas model indicated non-Fickian diffusion. Some other drug release kinetic models, such as zero-order and first-order kinetic models are used to study the drug release mechanism.