Control of Drug Release Rate by Use of Mixtures of Polycaprolactone and Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Polymers

Abstract

Chlorpromazine microspheres were prepared by an emulsion solvent evaporation technique using polycaprolactone and cellulose acetate butyrate as the matrix. The fluidity of the polymer solution was easily adjusted by use of mixtures of two polymers and thus provided a practical means to control the microsphere size. The In Vitro release pattern was easily changed by changing the ratios of these two polymers. An increase in polycaprolactone content of the polymer microsphere matrix brought about an increase in the release rate. Drug loading had no predictable effect on the dissolution rate, but smaller microspheres gave more rapid drug release due to the greater surface area.