Formulation and In-vitro Evaluation of Aceclofenac Microcapsules

Aceclofenac was formulated as novel enteric microcapsules for improved delivery to the intestine using the polymer ethyl cellulose as the retardant material. Micro encapsulation of aceclofenac was done to achieve a controlled drug release profile suitable for per oral administration. Aceclofenac was used as core and microcapsules were prepared by an emulsion solvent evaporation method. The prepared microcapsules were evaluated for size analysis, drug content, encapsulation efficiency, wall thickness, optical microscopy and drug release characteristics. All microcapsules obtained were discrete, large sized, free flowing and spherical in shape. Aceclofenac release from microcapsules followed higuchi model and influenced by the size of the microcapsules. Slow release of aceclofenac from ethyl cellulose microcapsules over 12 hours was observed.