| abstract |
A sustained-release hollow core-shell microcapsule formulation for drug delivery comprising a hollow envelope of one or more hydrophobic polymers, a medicament containing a hydrophilic or amphiphilic carrier matrix which is distributed over the inner surface of the hollow shell, a flotation agent, and an optional osmotic agent, the microcapsule being able to float in a simulated digestive fluid for a period of 24 to 96 hours. The microcapsules are prepared by the double emulsion method (water / oil / water) / evaporation of modified solvent. The microcapsule formulation can provide a sustained release delivery system for treating chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and tuberculosis, all of which require multiple drug combination therapies. The goal is to reduce the dosing frequency and the pill load, thereby improving the patient's medication compliance. In a specific embodiment, the hollow envelope is formed from a mixture of poly-L-lactide (PLLA) and poly (E-caprolactone) (PCL); and the amphiphilic support matrix is casein. |