Design and evaluation of Moxifloxacin microbeads by covalent cross – linking method

Jimidi Bhaskar^1*, Tadakapally Ramchandar², V.L. Narasaiah³, Chigiri Srinivas^4
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Avanthi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,  Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
²Department of Pharmaceutics , Mother Teresa college of Pharmacy, Ghatkesar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
³Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr Samuel George Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Markapur, Prakasam, A.P, India.
⁴Department of Bio-Technology, SVS Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bheemaram, Hanmakonda, Warangal, Telangana.

A B S T R A C T
The aim of this study was to prepare novel ocular mucoadhesive microbeads of Moxifloxacin HCl to increase its residence time on the ocular surface and to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in ocular bacterial keratitis. Microbeads were fabricated with Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as polymer. Microbeads were evaluated for their particle size, surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency, FTIR, DSC and in vitro drug release studies. The average particle size of Microbeads was found to be less than 12.1 μm. MCC Microbeads were found to have a smoother surface. Entrapment efficiency was enhanced with an increased polymer concentration and viscosity. In vitro release of Moxifloxacin HCl from Microbeads was retarded with increased viscosity and concentration of polymers, and was controlled by diffusion as well as polymer relaxation. By comparing profiles of all the formulations, the formulation F6 showed the smallest particle size of 12.1 μm and also showed the controlled drug release of 8hrs. These optimized microbeads showing controlled drug release can be further incorporated into bioadhesive polymer to prepare ophthalmic gel. Controlled release with this formulation may reduce dose frequency and side effects as well as improve the patient compliance. As a result aesthetic appeal of the final formulation was improved.
Keywords: Microbeads, Moxifloxacin HCl, MCC.