Formulation and Characterization of Floating Microspheres for Sustained Gastric Delivery of Anti-Diabetic Drugs

The present study focuses on the formulation and characterization of floating microspheres for sustained gastric delivery of anti-diabetic drugs. Oral administration of anti-diabetic agents is often associated with variable bioavailability, short half-life, and frequent dosing, leading to reduced patient compliance. Floating microspheres, a gastroretentive drug delivery system, were developed to overcome these limitations by prolonging gastric residence time and achieving sustained drug release. Microspheres were prepared using the solvent evaporation method employing polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), and Eudragit RS100 in varying ratios. The prepared microspheres were evaluated for particle size, percentage yield, buoyancy, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy. Results demonstrated good buoyancy (>12 hours), satisfactory drug entrapment efficiency, and a sustained release pattern over 12 hours following non-Fickian diffusion kinetics. This approach offers a promising platform for improving the therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance of anti-diabetic drug therapy.