Preparation and characterization of biodegradable poly(εcaprolactone) microcapsules containing erythromycin by emulsion solvent evaporation technique

The purpose of this work was the producing of a biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microcapsule and the analyzing of form and features for the manufacturing conditions which could be observed in a prospective drug delivery systems (DDS) through drug release. The effects of different stirring rates, stirring times and concentrations of emulsifier for the diameter and form of the microcapsules were observed using image analyzer (IA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result, the microcapsules were made in wrinkle and spherical forms with a mean particle size of 40-300±20 μm. PCL microcapsules containing drugs were confirmed using FT-IR spectra. The role of interfacial adhesion between PCL and drug was determined by contact angle measurements. The drug release test of PCL microcapsules was characterized by UV/vis. spectra. It was found that the drug release rate of the microcapsules prepared with high concentration emulsifier was significantly fast.