Cross-linked chitosan microspheres of pentazocine for intranasal administration

Abstract

Cross-linked chitosan microspheres of pentazocine for intranasal systemic delivery were prepared using glutaraldehyde as the cross-linkig agent. Microspheres were evaluated for physical characteristics like; Particle size, incorporation efficiency, swelling ability, in vitro bioadhesion and drug release characteristics in pH 6.6 phosphate buffer. The in vitro release profiles were examined kinetically. The data indicated that the release followed Higuchi's matrix model. The extent of cross-linking did not affect the rate and extent of drug release significantly.