Influence of spray-drying process on properties of chitosan/xanthan gum polyelectrolyte complexes as carriers for oral delivery of ibuprofen

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are attractive carriers with recognized potential to enhance oral delivery of poorly soluble high-dosed low-molecular-weight drugs. The formulation solid dosage forms requires the drying PECs, which may affect their physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. aim this study was investigate effect spraydrying on properties ibuprofen-loaded chitosan/xanthan gum PECs assess drug release kinetics from such filled into hard capsules in comparison corresponding dried under ambient conditions. yield, ibuprofen content, entrapment efficiency, residual moisture content spray-dried were lower than those ambient-dried PECs. Better flowability attributed almost spherical particle shape, shown by scanning electron microscopy. DSC PXRD analysis confirmed amorphization during spray-drying. All investigated obtained conditions as well spray-drying, had high rehydration capacity both 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (pH 1.2) phosphate buffer pH 7.4. In vitro controlled 12 h approximately 30% entrapped ibuprofen. Spray-dried provided better control diffusion carrier compared ambientdried ones.