A study on the effects of different surfactants on Ethylcellulose microspheres

Purpose: To rationalize the use of surfactants by preparing Salbutamol sulphate microspheres using two types of surfactants, Tween 80 and Span 80 and study their effects on different characteristics of the microspheres. Methods: Microspheres containing Salbutamol sulphate was prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Colorimetry and X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy studies were carried out to study whether the surfactants have any impact on the physicochemical properties of the microspheres. Scanning Electron Microscopy was done to study the surface topography of the microspheres. Results and conclusions: When Span 80 was used, the microspheres were smaller in size as compared to those obtained using Tween 80 while there was a higher release rate when Tween 80 was used.