ANALYTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A CONTROLLED RELEASE POLYMERIC SUSPENSION

Aims: Qualitative analysis of a mucoadhesive polymeric (Carbopol940) suspension of Norfloxacin was carried out with the aim of developing an oral controlled release gastro-retentive dosage form.

Methods: The characterization of ultrasonicated formulation was performed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. For interpretation, FTIR (400 cm^-1 to 4000 cm^-1 region) and Raman (140 to 2400 cm^-1 region) spectra were used. XRD data of pure drug, polymer and the mucoadhesive polymeric (Carbopol940) suspension were obtained using a powder diffractometer, scanned from a Bragg’s angle (2θ) of 10˚ to 70˚. In addition, dispersion of particle was studied using SEM techniques. Results: The results from FTIR and Raman Spectroscopic analyses suggested that in the mucoadhesive suspension, carboxylic groups of Norfloxacin and hydroxyl groups of C940 undergo chemical interaction leading to esterification and hydrogen bonding. The XRD data indicated that the retention of crystalline nature of Norfloxacin in the mucoadhesive suspension. Moreover, the SEM image analysis suggested that in the formulation maximum particles exhibited network like structure to produce pseudoplastic flow.

Conclusion: From our analysis, it can be concluded that homogeneous, uniformly dispersed, pharmaceutically stable controlled release Norfloxacin suspension was prepared, which had the property of better bioavailability and penetration capacity.